A Celebration of Bill Metz

Dr. William "Bill" Metz

8/19/1946 - 10/1/2020

Dr. William (Bill) Howard Metz, 74, passed away in the early morning of October 1, 2020. Bill was born in Maumee, Ohio, son of Nelles and Florance Metz. Bill was a passionate outdoorsman, dedicated educator, and compassionate father and friend.

Bill received his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois College and Ph.D. in Education from Northern Illinois University. In 1979, he moved to Monte Vista, CO where he devoted over a decade of his career to advancing the education system for the community. In 1984, he became the superintendent of the Monte Vista School District.

Bill moved to Colorado for his love of the outdoors. He was an accomplished mountain climber, reaching the summit of all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers - many of them twice. He also loved skiing and cycling. He completed Ride the Rockies eight times and challenged himself each year to get in as many ski days as possible at Wolf Creek Ski Resort.

Bill was loved by many in the community of Monte Vista and the Vail Valley. He was a very special person and will be greatly missed by all who ever met him. Bill is survived by his son, Phil (Jodie) Metz, and daughter Laura (Charlie) Velasquez. Bill has three beautiful grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart, Mason and Landon Metz and Charly Velasquez.

Celebrating Bill's Life

A memorial service was held on October 10th in Eagle, Colorado.

To view the service click the link below.

Bill Metz Memorial Service

Monte Vista, Colorado - POSPONED

Saturday, October 24th,

The memorial service on Oct. 24th to celebrate the life of Dr. Bill Metz will be postponed. In lieu of the memorial, please join us by sharing your memories (photos, stories, etc) on his Facebook page or donate to the Bill Metz Elementary School Memorial Fund.

Address: 545 2nd Ave, Monte Vista, CO

Bill Metz Elementary School Memorial Fund

In lieu of flowers, gifts, or meals Bill's family suggests a donation to a fund created in his honor to support enhancing the education of students at Bill Metz Elementary.

In 1979, Dr. Bill Metz moved to Monte Vista, CO to serve as the principal of the elementary school. In 1984, he became superintendent of schools, and he remained in his position as superintendent until 1993. When the new elementary school was built, it was named after Dr. Metz - now standing with the name Bill Metz Elementary. Dr. Metz was admired for his diligent work to improve academics and facilities for the students of Monte Vista during his time as superintendent.

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