Paul Zimmermann died peacefully on Thursday evening, February 10, 2011 in his room at Kendal at Lexington, surrounded by his wife Anne, son Peter and his wife Danielle, grandsons Andrew and Eric, nephew David and long time family friend Ruth.

His hearty welcomes and infectious laugh will be missed by them and by his many other family members, friends and neighbors.

Paul was born a Dane and came to the United States after World War II, when he had fought against Germany in the Danish Resistance.

Paul married Anne Virginia Kimmerle on Staten Island, New York City, on December 13, 1947, and they and son, Peter (after his birth in 1949) spent most of the next several decades living in Garden City, New York. Paul had a very successful career as a coffee importer, traveling around the world many times in his business. In 1967 Peter came to Washington and Lee University and after several years of visiting for Parent's Weekends, Paul and Anne decided this was a community where they would like to retire and bought their first farm, which they called "Sugarfoot Farm", on Turnpike Road, southwest of Lexington towards Collierstown. Paul was an early pioneer in adopting a practice that has become increasingly popular. He was a professional who would commute to his job in the big city, but who lived to return to his home in Lexington on weekends (most of which he managed to make long weekends!).

Starting in the early 1970's and continuing for over 20 years Paul and Anne built up a business on their farms in Lexington raising several breeds of cattle, primarily Angus and Simenthal. Many in Lexington will remember them from auctions, cattle association meetings, and their involvement in the local community.

Paul was a generous contributor to local causes and was for many years a member of the Board of Directors of Stonewall Jackson Hospital while it was still a local institution.

In addition to his business as a coffee importer, from which he retired in 1979, and his later business raising beef cattle, Paul found time to reach Grand Master status in both Chess and Bridge. While those who knew him better will remember him for his keen intelligence, his wit, and his generosity, all who came in contact with him will remember him for his booming and infectious laugh. He will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at Kendal Hall at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, February 13, 2011. Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington.