Wayne Jerome Zimmerman

Wayne Zimmerman, award winning artist and professional photographer passed away in Olympia, Washington, on August 20, 2024 at the age of 92. Wayne was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on January 13, 1932 to parents Herb and Hazel Zimmerman. Wayne and his family moved to Tacoma in 1942. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He started a 36 year career with The News Tribune shortly after. In 1951 he married his high school sweetheart Viola. They were married nearly 73 years. Wayne enjoyed his career as a photographer and photo editor. Being athletically inclined, Wayne really enjoyed working high school, collegiate and professional sporting events. Being an avid bowler, he wrote the bowling column for The News Tribune during the 1950’s. He also met and photographed several famous celebrities including Elvis, The Beatles, and Willie Mays. He was very proud of the fact that as a union negotiator for the Newspaper Guild, in the 1970’s he secured four weeks paid vacation for all News Tribune employees after one year of employment. Wayne utilized his talents enthusiastically in his personal life. He built a waterfront home on Johnson Point near Olympia in the 1960’s. He and his family enjoyed the wonderful place for nearly 40 years. He was very generous with his artwork and provided his friends and family with beautiful paintings, always refusing compensation. In his golden years Wayne, along with his beloved wife, settled in Olympia and became snowbirds owning a winter home near Laughlin, Nevada. He also loved camping and fishing with his family and friends, particularly in Conconully, Washington, one of his favorite places. In his latter years, he enjoyed making ornaments out of clay. He loved giving these to his nurses and caregivers. He gave away numerous little hearts he created, much to the joy of the recipients. Wayne is survived by his wife Viola, brother and sister-in-law Loren and Joan Zimmerman, children Steve Zimmerman (Kathy) Suzanne Philpott (David) Sheri Marr (Eric) and Michael Zimmerman (Brenda), and numerous grand children, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making charitable donations to The Hospice Foundation of America. A celebration of life gathering will be held at The Press Room located at 704 Opera Alley, Tacoma, on September 12th from 1 to 3 pm.