Many years ago, I set up an "I love me" wall for Doug. It proudly sports his medals, climbing photos and awards.

After Doug passed away, a variety of people and organizations did incredibly special things to recognize Doug's life and contributions. Our family was completely blown away by these honors. Every one of us cried when we saw them. If Doug could see it all, he would probably say BEEEEAUTIFUL!

Doug would have been so very proud and grateful. I wish he could see the I Love Me wall now. I'm going to need a bigger one.

The tributes include:

• A flag which was flown over the capital on the day of his memorial service, in a glass and mahogany case with a brass plaque. It seems so fitting for our local hero. It was accompanied by a moving letter from our favorite Connecticut State Senator Anthony (Tony) Guglielmo (R-35th District), who is also the Chief Deputy Minority Leader. It is signed by the President Pro Tempore Donald Williams, Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz.
  • See Photo | Text of letter (If you don't have a PDF viewer, you can download a free version here.)
• A statement of condolence issued by the General Assembly. It was introduced by Senator Tony Guglielmo (R) and our neighbor Representative Mike Alberts (R-District 50, CT House of Representatives, for Windham County, which includes our hometown of Woodstock)
  • See Photo | Text
• An Official Statement from Governor Jodi Rell.
  • See Photo | Text
• A Resolution from the Board of Licensed Environmental Professionals, which was beautifully framed.
  • See Photo | Text | PDF version
• Tissue Donation recognition from the Health Resources & Services Administration
• Article in the Villager Newspaper about Doug Zimmerman's Gift of Life, 07/23/2010
• There was also a Distinguished Service Award that Doug received in 1999 from then Commission Art Rocque. (I called this the "Distinguished Suck Up Award" to tease him).
  • See Photo with text
• Also see what Tenzing the Cat thought of this fanfare.
• Tribute in the American Alpine Journal
• The 2011 Woodstock 10K Memorial Day Road Race was dedicated to Doug, thanks to Karen Fitzpatrick and the Woodstock Recreation Committee.| Cash prizes in his memory in 2013
• Z Memorial Toilet at Bigelow Hollow State Park
• The 2011 Woodstock Historical Society Calendar: Woodstock's Ordinary, Extraordinary People
• The Z Rock & Rain Garden at the Woodstock Historical Society
• A small wildlife refuger - Zeelandia
• Cover of Hartford Hospital Rounds Magazine 2013

The Flag

See letter from State Senator Tony Guglielmo that accompanied the flag.

• From the General Assembly

State of Connecticut
General Assembly
In memoriam

Be it hereby known to all that:
The Connecticut General Assembly extends its sincerest condolences and expressions of sympathy to
Elizabeth Zimmerman
on the passing of Douglas Craig Zimmerman.
We are grateful for his 27 years of dedicated service to the State of Connecticut and the Department of Environmental Protection
His lifelong commitment to the preservation of the outdoors will leave a legacy for generations.

Introduced by Senator Anthony Guglielmo, 35th District
Representative Mike Alberts, 50th District

Given this 12th day of June 2010
[signed by] President Pro Tempore
Speaker of the House
Secretary of State

• From Governor Jodi Rell

State of Connecticut
By Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, Governor:
an
Official Statement

Today, on behalf of the State of Connecticut, I, M. JODI RELL, Governor,
am proud to recognize
Douglas Craig Zimmerman

As a resident of Connecticut for many hears, Doug was hardworking individual devoted to his family, friends and the public he served. Always the outdoor enthusiast with an infectious sense of humor, Doug achieved many great things in his life.

Born in Massachusetts but settling in Connecticut, Doug graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in Environmental Earth Science.
His humble beginnings at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as an intern evolved into a 27-year, successful career with the agency.
Doug's love of the environment went beyond his position at DEP, as seen in his avid mountain, rock and ice climbing excursions with his father, brother and friends.
Doug's zest for life, care and concern for others, especially as a tissue donor, coupled with his love for his wife Bet, his family and his friends is unmatched, and will truly be missed.

Everyone who has met or worked with Doug is a better person for having known him. It is truly a sad day when the State of Connecticut loses such a kind and giving person. I am honored to join his family, friends and all who knew him as we honor and remember him today.

Therefore, I, M. JODI RELL, Governor of the State of Connecticut,
in honor of his memorial service on June 12, 2010,
do hereby recognize the life of
Douglas Craig Zimmerman
in the State of Connecticut

{Signed] M. Jodi Rell, Governor

• Resolution from State of CT DEP Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals

• Text of resolution from the State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals

BE IT KNOWN THAT

The State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals
wishes to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Doug Zimmerman and to his colleagues at the Department of Environmental Protection.

Doug was dedicated public servant who could be relied upon for his just and fair handling of all environmental matters that came before him.

He was a pleasure to work with and will be deeply missed by all.

Adopted as a formal resolution by the
State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals
on June 10, 2010

[Signed ] Amey Marrella, Commissioner, Denise Ruzicka, Chairman

TISSUE DONOR certificate from the Health Resources & Services Adminstration



In recognition of the fact that Doug was a tissue donor. His gift of life helped over 80 people in the first two years alone.

Z FLIX: FILM FESTIVAL

The Woodstock Historical Society sponsored a periodic film series in honor of Doug's life. More info.

MEMORIAL DAY RACE 2011 and on

The Woodstock 10K Memorial Day race in Woodstock CT was dedicated to Doug's memory. His name was on the T-shirts each runner received. More about Doug and running.

Z ROCK AND RAIN GARDEN

A garden at the Woodstock Historical Society in Doug's memory. Read more.



ZEELANDIA

Patrick and I set up a small wildlife refuge in town, in Doug's memory. Read more about it here.

CALENDAR

Doug was finally a Calendar Boy - featured on the 2011 Woodstock Historical Society calendar, "Woodstock's Ordinary, Extraordinary People"



Tenzing the Cat Tribute

Tenzing was most impressed with the box the flag came in. He misses Doug a lot.



MORE

• My Husband, My Hero (article in Our Better Nature)
• Villager article about Doug's Zimmerman's Gift of Life (tissue donation)
• Z Rock and Rain Garden dedication
• Rounds Magazine Cover