What’s in a Name: A Tribute to Byron’s Martin Zimmer
For many who grew up in or around Byron, the name Martin Zimmer conjures warm memories of a beloved geography teacher who made classes “come alive” at Sir Adam Beck High School and Saunders Secondary School. For others, it reminds them of the treasured places Martin was fa- mous for painting.
A painting of Boler Mountain and Anneliese, Christine and Martin Jr. Zimmer skiing (circa 1985)
A painting Martin did in Germany before immigrating to Canada (circa 1949-50)
Martin’s love for art continued throughout his youth. He enjoyed painting flowers, especially and gave them as gifts to his mom and his childhood sweetheart, Anneliese. Martin’s daughter Christine has the sketchbook he brought when he and Anneliese immigrated to Canada in 1958. The young couple settled in Byron after falling in love with Boler Mountain and Springbank Park, both of which were reminders of their beloved Black Forest in Germany. While raising a family and studying to become a teacher, Martin continued honing his painting skills, transitioning from oils to watercolours in the 1980s. He loved nature and often painted at various locations with his family in tow. He also used photographs. Martin was known for continually stopping the car on road trips to take pictures, much to the chagrin of his kids. Martin’s paintings are now in collections, homes, and businesses across North America, Europe, and beyond. His true legacy, however, lies in the comfort his art brought others. One poignant example is the story his family shares of an individual in palliative care who chose to keep their “Martin Zimmer” painting close by. The picture depicted a place in northern Ontario to which they often travelled, and they found much-needed peace reflecting on the memories Martin’s painting invoked. “All they want for Christmas is You” Martin passed away on January 8, 2024. His name and the impact he made live on through the stories, memories, and hearts of family, friends, students, and those who cherish his art. You can purchase Martin’s limited prints at Chops Picture Framing in London, Ontario. Source: Two hearts, one journey: Martin and Anneliese Zimmer. Christine Zimmer. www.livestold.com/story/martin-and-anneliese-zimmer-71 Photos courtesy of the Zimmer family London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London www.accpets.ca • (519)685-1330 December
As a prolific oil and watercolour artist, Martin found inspiration in the beauty and serenity of local landscapes and architecture. “His work became so recognizable,” recall his children. “People knew a ‘Martin Zimmer painting’ by looking at it.” Born in Germany in 1933, Martin grew up amid the hardship of World War II. He found refuge in art, starting in kindergarten when he painted a picture of the night sky filled with stars. “His teacher loved it and hung it in the school. Dad was very proud of that picture,” his kids add. Martin at work on a painting
Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack!
Bringing people and pets together www.accpets.ca
C atty S haCk THE
London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572
Martin Zimmer and Christine on a painting excursion
Love is a five letter word– Adopt! Bringing people and pets together
London Animal Care Centre 121 Pine Valley Blvd. www.accpets.ca • (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack 756 Windermere Rd. • (519) 432-4572 Dreaming of a Forever Home Adopt Today!
London Animal Care Centre 121 Pine Valley Blvd. www.accpets.ca • (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack 756 Windermere Rd. • (519) 432-4572
February
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
Byron Villager Jan/Feb 2026
Page 9
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs