Jim Rimmer, 1934-2010

Jim Rimmer passed away from cancer at his home in New Westminster on 8 January 2010.

For many years Jim operated his Pie Tree Press & Typefoundry from his home in New West. There he designed many type fonts (some were cast, many appeared in digital format), designed, illustrated and printed those books which he had enjoyed so much over the years. It was also where he was often found by those of us who enjoyed talking with Jim about printing, learning from him, sharing stories, and who relished the experience of being in letter press shop with all the various activities, sounds and smells.

Jim's autobiography, Leaves from the Pie Tree (Pie Tree Press, 2006; supplemented and reprinted by Gaspereau Press, 2008) recounts his life as a printer, beginning as an apprentice and later working for various newspapers and printing shops. Much of his life was spent in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia although he did work briefly for the Williams Lake Tribune where his editorial cartoons perhaps foreshadowed his career as a graphic artist, a career which ran from 1972 to 1999. Much of his graphic work is readily identifiable -- the British Columbia provincial mark, the design for Murchie's hot chocolate, the logo for Canadian Pacific Airlines, the logo for SFU ... and so much more. His design work won many awards. Over the years Jim taught, mentored, tutored and corresponded with many printers, graphic artists, and students of the book arts. His generosity towards others was exemplary.

A few years ago I approached Jim about the possibility of his papers coming to SFU. He declined but some time later I received a call - Jim had found a press he wanted to obtain and SFU now has his papers.

Jim Rainer, longtime book collector and prominent Alcuin Society member, recently donated monies for the further development of the Jim Rimmer Collection. In his letter Jim wrote, "The obituary in today's [12 January] Vancouver Sun suggested donations to a 'favourite charity'. SFU is not a charity but its holdings in the Special Collections Library are of inestimable value and I feel this donation would have met with Jim's approval. No one in North America, perhaps the world, can replace Jim's incredible talent". These words ring true.

SFU Special Collections very much appreciates this thoughtful donation. We are very proud to have the Jim Rimmer Collection and we will continue to develop this and related collections.

It has been my great pleasure to have known Jim Rimmer.

Eric Swanick, Head, Special Collections

Please see article in The Province newspaper.