Through his work with the Veterans Court and his nonprofit organization, Zimmerman helped countless veterans in the community
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
The Clark County veterans and first responder communities have lost an ally.
The Community Military Appreciation Committee sent word out on Wednesday that retired Judge Darvin Zimmerman has died. A family member confirmed that Zimmerman passed away at home on Sunday, Oct. 27. He was 73 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Judge Darvin Zimmerman, a cherished member of our CMAC community,” an email read. “Judge Zimmerman dedicated his life to service, especially in support of veterans. Through his work with the Veterans Court and his nonprofit organization, he helped countless veterans in the community.”
Zimmerman was a Clark County District Court judge. He retired in 2021 after nearly 43 years on the bench in the area.
Zimmerman helped lead a project that brought a new pavilion to the headquarters of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 7824, in Vancouver.
He also founded the Veterans and First Responders Board of Southwest Washington. His work led to the creation of granite benches in honor of those killed in service, whether it be from military duty or as service as a first responder.
One of those benches is located at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Vancouver.
He also organized several fundraisers for fallen leaders in the community.
A viewing is scheduled Friday (Nov. 1) from 2-4 p.m. at Layne’s Funeral Services, located at 16 NE Clark Ave., in Battle Ground.
A personal note from this reporter
I never worked with Judge Zimmerman while he was a working judge. My interactions with him were always around his causes — the new pavilion at the VFW, the bench for veterans and Gold Star families at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, and the fundraisers for the families of two law enforcement officers who died in recent years.
He was passionate about all veterans and first responders.
He also followed high school sports – which used to be my expertise — and he took pride in following all the great local teams, in a number of sports, through the years.
He also would text or call at the most inconvenient hours. I write that now with a smile on my face. Getting a text from a judge after midnight is bizarre.
The last text exchange I had with him was this summer when he sent a message to say he appreciated the Clark County Today sports podcast.
I will always appreciate that message, as well as his dedication to county veterans and first responders. — Paul Valencia
I worked with Judge Z on several occasions, attending many of his fundraising events to help raise money for Veterans.
He was a kind and generous person, he will be remembered by many who received help from his dedication to help Veterans .
Judge Z was always happy to recite the Oath of Office to me and our Council members when asked to do so .
Don Stose former Mayor, City of Ridgefield.
Sad to hear this news. I also knew ‘The Judge’. He was fair and straight forward with his sentencing. I knew him from a few different circles of friendships. RIP Darvin.
Yes Jim . My thoughts exactly and, my experiences exactly, having been withe the Clark County Sherriffs Office from 1986 to 2008. I couldn’t have said it better than you have.
To Judge Zimmerman ‘s children and families, we are so sorry for your loss. Darvin will be missed. He was a special human being who we got to know through the years that he coached our girls in soccer. He was a joyful person to be around. He had a wonderful career on the bench and has left quite the legacy helping others. He will be remembered fondly and with a smile. The Kiemele family.
My family lived across the street from the Zimmerman family in Yakima in the 70’s. Darvin and I would shoot baskets and go over to the high school and time each other on running the 50 yard dash. Those were fun times. Even though I was a few years younger than him he always found time to goof off with me .He was a good man.