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Dean Metz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dean Metz
Past Player
March 11, 2024
Are you familiar with the phrase, "awe-inspiring", something that inspires awe, admiration, or wonder?
I have come to realize that I have experienced an almost "mind boggling" positive coaching and good sportsmanship, "awe inspiring" moment.
I didn´t realize it at the time, but it was a "WOW" moment that went undetected due to being caught up emotionally in a "heat of the moment" situation.
It was a State Championship Baseball game. The home team, who I was rooting for, was down 3-2 late in the game.
They had a runner on second; the coach flashed several signals that sent instructions to the batter and the runner. As the pitcher released the ball the batter squared up to bunt and the runner broke for 3rd base. It became obvious the coach had just signaled for a "squeeze play".
Unfortunately, and to the dismay of the home team fans, the batter missed the ball. But he did cause the catcher to throw the ball from an awkward position that made the 3rd baseman move to his left away from the bag and attempt the tag while going away from 3rd base.
The runner in an attempt to take advantage of this and trying to avoid the tag atypically slid to the inside and through the bag twisting back around to touch the base.
While the dust was settling the runner stood up and brushed himself off. As he turned back towards the infield the umpire latently went into a ceremonious gyration announcing that the runner was out!
OUT............!? No way. Unfortunately for me I was one of only a few people that were in a position that could see that the tag wasn´t made!
The runner turned and looked at the coach as if to say, "what"? Aren´t you going to do something?
The coach stoically stood momentarily; apparently summing up the situation. The runner left the field. And the home team lost 3-2.
It wasn´t until years later and in rerunning the situation in my mind that I surmised what had happened. It has led this to be an "awe inspiring", positive coaching and good sportsmanship moment for me.
As the runner was sliding, he was between the umpires and the third baseman occluding the umps view of the attempted tag. At that angle, the umpire could see that the 3rd baseman put his glove out into what would be the plain that would lead to the glove touching the player. But from his angle it would be impossible to see that there was a gap!
The coach apparently recognized this and chose not to challenge the call.
It was a high-profile game; the press was on hand and there was literally no way to prove the missed tag (no cameras and instant replay!). To what end would an ostentatious display of incredulous actions by him, his players or his team bring to such an important event?
My guess is that he figured his team would create another scoring opportunity and just let it go!
That I have come to realize was a "WOW" moment.
I could only hope that in "the heat" of an emotionally charged situation that I too could remain calm, composed and in line with good sportsmanship and positive coaching decorum.
So, my view of this event has gone from, what in the world was this coach thinking to I hope that all youth sport coaches can have the resilience and composure of this coach to keep everything in perspective in the heat of the moment!
The runner/player was me, the coach.................. Coach Metz!
Jay Bledsoe
January 18, 2021
One of the greatest guys and mentors to enter my life in 1966-1970 as my Biology teacher. Refereed many of my football games both in HS and at U of A (1971-1974). Was my Supervising Teacher when I performed my Student Teacher semester in 1975. At each juncture he was not only a man that made his presence known but also had a wicked sense of humor. I have missed him for many years. I will continue to miss him.
Irma Ficzeri
July 1, 2020
I can still hear his booming voice as he cajoled and greeted students in the Amphi halls.
~~~ Irma Ficzeri - 1960
Jackie Pender
December 6, 2017
Mr. Metz. Thanks for your acceptance and patience and never discriminating between student's. You have always been bigger than life to me. You positively touched so many lives and you always sparkled. It was pretty cool that you had a beer now and then with my dad.
Suzanne Groberg
March 14, 2014
Had the pleasure of getting to know Dean and Jackie when I was married to their son, Dion. Although we have been apart for lo these many years, I have thought of both Dean and Jackie. Always wondering how they were doing. I'm sure they are living happily in Heaven and loving communing with their family who has passed. The reunion with Devon and Dale must have been fantastic!
Ken (basketball mgr.1965-69) Brooks
August 22, 2013
What a wonderful person. The essence of "BEAR DOWN."
Rick Glider
July 23, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dean when we were junior high school athletic directors and served on the Delta League Board of Directors. His insights for all things at our meetings was greatly appreciated. His sense of humor was just so wonderful. The stories he would tell... A great man will truly be missed.
Bob & Marta Phillips
July 18, 2013
A Good Christian Man Gone From Our Sight, But Never From Our Heart. Words Can Not Express How Much We Will Miss Dean.
Randy Jones
July 15, 2013
Dean has entered his eternal heavenly home. After retiring, Dean served as Principal at redeemer Lutheran School where I got to know him better. At UA basketball games he would be setting up his workplace and reading the paper, but he always took time to talk to fans and friends. You will be missed Dean...God bless the family.
Sherri Zeller
July 13, 2013
The Zeller Family sends its sympathy and love to Dean's entire family. Every member of our family knew and appreciated Dean since the early days of the Amphitheater Community. Our friendship extended to Dean's parents, his wife, their children, and his brother-in-law. We are truly sad to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Metz and Johnson Families in your great loss.
Sincerely,
Sherri Zeller and Family
Bernadine Schwing
July 13, 2013
Cecilia and I were sad to hear about the passing of "one of the great ones"... Dean Metz was part of our lives from way back - we were two of his "Summer Recreation" kids at Harelson - couldn't wait to get there, always sorry the time went so fast, and he was such a huge part of those days. He even talked me into entering the hula hoop contest one summer - I fancied myself as a better ping pong player, but he just chuckled and said it would be fun. Fun? Not sure, but I think I was the Pima County champion or something - probably was the only entry in my age group... Cecilia and I both met Dion during those summers and it was nice to have a friend as we met up again at CDO. I had Mr. Metz for Biology, and Coach Metz was introduced freshman year - he stepped in to coach the Varsity Volleyball team, and Debbie was a senior on the team. Lisa Kaufman and I were just so excited to be on the team with the "big kids". Wanda Stevenson and Debbie were the stars, and it was fun. Except when he had us try to do the one-armed-shoulder-roll and laughed until he had to straighten his glasses after almost falling over. Funny....he never did show us that done properly - just cackled and roared as he watched us try! He was one of a kind. Cecilia and I know he'll be missed by so many of the lives he touched - we are just 2 of the countless, and the opportunity to think back and be thankful we knew him is a good reminder of just how a person can touch so many lives. He wore many hats, and crossed all lines of division when he made his mark on the lives of others. So, here is to Dean Metz, Mr. Metz, and Coach: We're sure you are telling stories, cutting up as you tease, and already in the midst of the party! We know your personal faith was strong, so there is extra comfort in knowing you're now living in glory without declining health, pain, or sadness. We'll see you when we get there!
The Schwing Sisters (Bernadine '76 & Cecilia '78)
Robert "Gordo:" Harris
July 13, 2013
In 1960 as a freshman, Dean was my biology teacher. At the same time he was attending post grad classes at the Uof A including one of my fathers. We both passed and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our respective teachers. I left Tucson in 1970, but would hear about him from my brother Rick and numerous other friends. I would catch up with him on most occasions that I visited Tucson, often at the U of A basketball and reunions. I was always left smiling when seeing him and now as I think of him. Thanks for making the memories.
Fred Bledsoe
July 12, 2013
Coach Metz. Thank you for being a positive role model for all of us, and your love for others. Rest in Peace.
Doug&Marilyn Rotolo
July 11, 2013
Dearest Debbie & Deon-- Please accept my deepest condolences for your tremendous loss. I have known Dean since 1961, when he was my JV baseball coach at Amphi.For the past 50+ years our friendship & mutual respect has been strong. Sports, officiating, Reunions, and the occasional "cold one" have been most awesome. I am sorry I will not be able to attend his service, but I'm sure he knows "Motorola" has him in his thoughts & prayers.
Phil Woolever
July 11, 2013
Debbie,Alyssa,Dion,Michael,Maddux and extended Tucson family:
So sorry to learn about the passing of an all-time Wildcat. I'm very glad I got to know Mr. Metz beyond CDO when I was mature enough to appreciate him. In addition to his alpha personality and athleticism he was also a highly professional administrator, as witnessed when I subbed at Amphi Middle. A lot of people talk about being happy, active participants in life and society. Mr Metz demonstrated it loud and proud every day I saw him over four decades. Whatever's next, Dean was blessed and ready.
Kristin Snow
July 10, 2013
I have very fond memories of Mr. Metz. My grandpa,Jack Combs, and Dean were great friends. I grew up watching them laugh and tease each other during intermissions at the U of A games. I have no doubt that they are up in heaven together enjoying the ball games. I was blessed to have known Mr. Metz. He was a warm, kind man and his friendship was invaluable to my sweet grandpa.
July 10, 2013
My darling Coach Dean Metz, you made your mark on the world and truly made it a better place. My face would light up every time I saw you. Biology was my favorite class, even though you teased me all class long, you also let me get out of cutting up that little froggy. As a coach you were outstanding, fair and Just beyond words, you earned the right to be called Ref. I was so glad when you got to officiate when my son Clay Hardt played for U of A. Optimist, you were. We Tamagni's all loved you and you made us better people for having known you. My brother Jerry and sister Lisa will be meeting you in heaven. Debbie and Dion our prayers go out to you. Your Mom will be so happy. I love you Dean Metz see you in Heaven. Dori Tamagni
The Esparza Family
July 10, 2013
Mr. Metz always had time to stop and talk, and tell a story. 25 years after graduating from CDO, Coach Metz always remembered his students. He was a teacher and a Coach that made a huge difference in our lives. Warm thoughts and prayers from Esparza's. We celebrate his everlasting life.
Dixie Campbell/Amato
July 10, 2013
Dean was there for my family when his classmate (my husband "Chuck Campbell") passed away in 1963. I hope they are sharing fond memories of high school days up there. My sincere condolance to the Metz family.
Viya Con Dios my friend.
Jamie Adams
July 9, 2013
Deon,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family always,Dean was a great man and I'm fortuitous to have known Him and your family.
Cindy Rascon Hughes
July 9, 2013
Mr Metz was larger than life! Always cheerful always saying hi to you in the hallway even if he didn't know who you were. I never had Mr Metz as a teacher but always knew who he was and could always hear his booming voice in the hallways & especially at the football games. My thoughts & prayers are with the Metz family.
Craig Thomas
July 9, 2013
Dion and the rest of the Metz family I send my heart felt condolances. Dean always made people feel good about themselves. His sense of humor and the way he could tell a joke were really extraordinary. He touched so many poeple. Thanks for the fond memorfies.
Val & Tony D'Andrea
July 9, 2013
Sending our condolences and our love to the family. So glad we had that cousins' reunion a few years back that Merrit organized for all of us. Fond memories of that and especially the year 1960
Val and Tony
July 9, 2013
My husband and I went to high school with Dean - we were freshmen and he was a much-admired senior. My freshman year at the UofA Dean was my TA in Botany and made the class great fun. I worked with him in the office at Amphi Junior (Middle) School and what laughs we had in those happy days. We all mourn the loss of this very,very special man and my husband and I send our sincere condolences to the Metz family. Linda (Davis) Arnold and Donald Arnold
Ben Vallefuoco
July 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers for the Metz family. My eternal gratitude to Dean, a man, a coach and teacher who by touching my life, enriched it.
Mas alla!
Mike St. Ores
July 9, 2013
Deon, I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your father. I know he loved you and your family very much. My prayers are with you and your family.
Darleen SHIELDS
July 8, 2013
TO ALL OF THE METZ FAMILY, I AM SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF DEAN. I NEW YOUR FAMILY SO LONG AGO. DEAN TOUCHED MY LIFE IN THAT I DO NOT BELIEVE I HAVE KNOWN, ANOTHER MAN THAT CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THIS COMMUNITY BOTH AS AN EDUCATOR AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH OF TUCSON AZ. A GREAT LEADER AND A MAN OF FAITH. QUIETLY MOVING THROUGH LIFE BEING DEAN.HIS SMILE WAS CONTAGIOUS. WE ALL WERE BLESSED DEEPLY TO HAVE KNOWN YOU. I REMEMBER BEING YOUR NEIGHBOR,IN 1960, I WAS TWELVE AND BABYSAT FOR ALL YOUR CHILDREN.dEAN ALWAYS HAD SUCH A BIG HUG AND SMILE FOR ME WHEN EVER I RAN INTO HIM AND JACKIE. BLESSINGS TO YOUR JOURNEY, AND MEMORY. YOU ARE IN ALL OUR HEARTS.
Glenn Ezell
July 8, 2013
Rest in Peace Coach Metz. Condolences to all the Metz Family. Also to all the Coach Dean Metz extended family which I am sure is any and every one of us who came in contact with Coach Metz....I Love You Coach Metz and have since I was 10yrs. old. Everlasting Love.
Dalyce Feemster
July 8, 2013
My condolences to the Metz family for the loss of your loved one.
Carlos Inzunza
July 8, 2013
Dion and metz fam so sorry for your loss may the lord have him in a better place. Sin the Inzunza fam.
July 8, 2013
Little did I know the blessing that God had in store for me when I went to work at CDO. Dean was one of those, he introduced me to my husband with whom he officiated sports. We always told him he wrecked our lives but that was not true. It was really a blessing. Dean always had a smile, a joke and passed it along to others. He will always be in our hearts. Our prayers are with his family as we know you will miss him forever.
Rita and Don Moore
Mike Huff
July 8, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Metz family. We all have truly lost a Special human being. Dean, you will be missed. God speed.
Allyn Bulzomi
July 8, 2013
There are only a few teachers that really stand out in my memories of High School and Dean Metz is at the top. Great teacher, great Coach and just a fun person to be around. You will be missed.
Allyn Bulzomi - Class of 73'
Lisa Harber Maher
July 8, 2013
Although I went to CDO in its early days, I had Mr Combs for Biology and was not a sports fan, nor an attendee at many games. I was a pretty shy kid, in fact, until I found my voice at about 16. But Mr Metz loomed large in my life in high school because he lit up every hallway he walked and every room he visited. Some degree of inner sunshine simply radiated from him. He knew my name, even 40 years later, how could that be? He was that guy.
I remember one assembly when all the coaches tried to teach the unschooled masses what was happening in a football game: all those flags and downs, penalties and scores. I think they were worried that kids were not coming out for games because they had no idea what was happening on the field. He made the presentation so fascinating that I can still watch a game, not that I go out of my way, and not feel like a complete moron about football. This was huge! He cared deeply about all of us, and it showed. He will be missed at our reunions, and for margaritas at the planning sessions! What a man!
Sandi Lent
July 8, 2013
Deon and family.... So sorry for your loss... Prayers
Sandi (Romero) & Steve Lent.
520-861-6378
Nancy Irby
July 8, 2013
You had the most incredible impact on all of us...we were not an easy bunch, these graduating classes of '68 and '69, but I can assure you we were all so much better for having had the priveledge of knowing you. You will be greatly missed. Nancy Lamprey Irby
Roger Norris
July 8, 2013
I was a teacher at CDO in the late 70's and early 80's. Dean always had the best sense of humor. He always made me laugh. Heaven is having some fun right now. See you when I get there Dean.
Mimi McGarey
July 8, 2013
The best teachers are those who share not what they know, but who they are. Mr. Metz was one of these. It was my pleasure to meet him as Biology teacher, to know him as colleague, to love him as friend. His smile and laughter live on in many Dorado hearts. Mas alla, Mr. Metz.
Jeannette Gravino Vanderah
July 7, 2013
A man, a strong sincere man, a man who touches everyone he knows with his perfectly strong and influential personality......he is a hero to me! I am so thankful to have had him as my biology teacher at CDO. He taught in the classroom and so much more beyond the classroom. It's just who he was! A true hero!! Love and hugs to the Metz family members and everyone (1000's) whom will miss him dearly!!!
July 7, 2013
Dion and Debbie,
Jennifer, myself and the whole Esparza family send our heartfelt condolences to your two families. We hope your faith and the love from family and friends provides you comfort during this difficult time. Your dad was an incredible man who had such a positive impact on so many lives, mine included. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will go on forever! May he rest in peace.
Sam Esparza, Class of '78
Laveta Messer McDavid
July 7, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. He was a great man.
Dianna Patrick
July 7, 2013
May the LORD CONTINUALLY BLESS YOU WITH HEAVEN'S BLESSINGS. Gods speed. Dean
Dave & Heather
July 7, 2013
Were missing our Dinner & Joker night with Dion & Dean...Sending our love out to Dion & Debbie tonight~HUGS!! Dave & Heather...ps...Last Sunday we were with him...The memories are ours to cherish forever...Thanks Dean...Playing the game (Joker) with a few friend's since you left... in your honor!!~:0)
Blessings~
Dave & Heather
July 7, 2013
Our Earth Angel has taken flight~gone but never forgotten~thanks for all the wonderful memories~They are ours to cherish forever!! We love you~ps..The past 4 months of Dinner & Joker night~PURE DELIGHT!! ~:0) xoxoox
Mary Krueger
July 7, 2013
I am very blessed you were in my life. My sincere prayers for the family.
June (Sherrill) Hunt
July 7, 2013
You taught us through laughter and positive examples. Thank you Mr. Metz, you will be gratefully remembered.
July 7, 2013
My sincere condolences to the entire Metz family.
I first met Dean in 1953 at the U of A.
We shared many activities while members of the UA Alumni Letterman's Club and the Southern Arizona Retired Coaches and Officials Association.
Dean was a contributor, not merely a member. I will miss him very much, but feel comfort in knowing that he is with Jackie once again. God Bless you all....Don "Tex" Bowerman
Ted Sorich
July 7, 2013
Some people strengthen a community simply by being the kind of person they are. Dean Metz was one of those people. I take comfort in knowing that Dean is now flying with the eagles as one of Gods Angels. God Bless Dear Friend!
Ted Sorich
July 7, 2013
love you coach...say hi to Mr. Combs up there...you are surely missed...love to all your family...mimi cree ferrer and all the cree girls
Mary Hagan
July 7, 2013
I have known the Metz family since the early 50's, and Dean was allways there for everyone. I will always remember the smiling face of both Dean and Jackie. May you Rest in Peace together.
Mary Robinson-Hagan
Michelle Bryde-Bowen
July 7, 2013
My most favorite teacher. Thanks for putting up with me. Prayers for your family...
Dave & Heather
July 7, 2013
Loving & Lighting the Way for all of us...Many blessings~xox
Deon and Dean & Heather on Dinner & Joker night~June 2013
July 7, 2013
Deon~Dean & Dave on Dinner & Joker night June~2013
July 7, 2013
Dean & Heather on Dinner & Joker Night~June 2013
July 7, 2013
We love you....xox...
Dave & Heather
July 7, 2013
You always had the ability to be a good friend. You listened to your friends...and they listened to you. They gave you in their confidence...and you held it sacred. They trusted you with their most guarded secrets. They followed you and felt safe in your company. In turn they learned from you and where ever they go...they carry a part of you with them... when they touch another life...they pass a little of you along. You have made more of a difference in your lifetime...than you will ever know. It is not always put down on paper to gather dust in libraries. Great strides are made everyday and may seem to go unnoticed. But nothing that we know outlives the soul. And all the souls that you have touched so gently and so deeply...move forward to a better life. The memories are for each of us to keep forever. So wonderful your wings have taken flight. We love you!! ps...thanks for all of the Dinner & Joker nights. They were pure delight!! xox
Virginia Parmer
July 7, 2013
I will forever have Mr. Metz in my heart. A beloved teacher, who taught us so much more than those lessons in the classroom. His smile, laugh, humor, but most of all, his humanity, has & will stay with us always. It's been 51 years since graduation. He was so loved, he was invited, and attended our 50th class reunion. God speed Mr. Metz. Your eternal rest, with your loved ones, is your promised reward. You will be missed by so many, and thank you for the positive effect you've had on so many impressionable teens.
July 7, 2013
Dean Metz was one of my dad's(Jack Combs) all time favorite biology students at Amphi High. Years later my dad chose Dean to teach next to him in the adjoining science rooms which my dad helped design at the new Canyon del Oro High School. My dad loved Dean's sense of humor and his intelligence.Often my father spoke about Dean's high school athletic ability and the loss he and his wife endured in the death of their two children.
As a teacher,Dean was a prankster and would drop an answer key with all the wrong answers on the floor on purpose, and then laugh about it with my dad!
Dean, May you Join my dear father in heaven for a joyful reunion. To Dean's childreb and grandchildren, what a wonderful man Dean was.
With love and happy memories, from Sally Combs, daughter of John "Jack" Combs, Dean's former teacher and lifelong friend
Dean Richter
July 7, 2013
When I first met Dean I was a young adolescent and he was a larger than life teenager at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Even in high school his stature, smile and laugh would fill the room. I took special delight in a chance encounter at the Oakland CA airport many years ago. I know he will be greatly missed by those whose life was touched by his presence.
Viki and Jim Dillahunty
July 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Dean will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his fairness, and love of family - and of course, his love of the game. He was such a supportice colleague at Coronado K-8 School and a wonderful coach to our daughters. His limitless energy for all he needed and wanted to do was amazing. God speed, Dean.
With love and prayers. Jim and Viki Dillahunty
Steve Carlson
July 7, 2013
Goodbye coach! Thanks for all you did at CDO.
Irma Ficzeri
July 7, 2013
I was a freshman at Amphi when Dean began his teaching career. While I never had him as a teacher, I was aware of him as a teacher. He was so student friendly and outgoing. As I began a career in athletics and education I was always aware of Dean and his contribution to the Tucson sports community. What a wonderful role model for student athletes. He will be greatly missed. My sympathy to his family.
Lee Engbretson
July 7, 2013
I got to know Dean as a sophomore at Amphi in 1956. We played many a game of one on one basketball in the following years until I graduated in 1959. I can't say that I won many of them. Later on as a basketball coach at Flowing Wells, we met again and enjoyed the competition as coaches when he coached at CDO. Dean was a life long friend and I will miss him greatly. One last thing, those of you who had the opportunity to have a hand shake with Dean know that he had one of the largest hands known to man. Rest in peace Dean and my prayers and thoughts go out to the Metz family.
Mark Cannon
July 7, 2013
He will always be Coach or Mr. to me. Could never bring myself to call him "Dean". For those of us who went to CDO during those early days, Mr. Metz was part of our lives. If you didn't have a class with him or were not involved in sports, you still knew Mr. Metz. He brought joy, passion, humor and a genuine love of young people with him everyday. He could have a class of unruly kids eating out of his hand in minutes. I will miss his huge smile, his enormous laugh and just his passion for life. A brilliant, wonderful human being who is going to be very missed. Rest in Peace Coach. You have earned your rest and are reunited with those you lost during your life. Thank you so much.
Jim Bunch
July 7, 2013
I offer my condolences and prayers for peace and tranquility during this difficult time for family and the many friends of Dean. Dean was a friend to all and a stranger to none. I will always remember how Dean welcomed me as a newcomer to Tucson in 1992 and was always ready to share an amusing officiating story, of which he had many.
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