Obituary for Mr. Edwin "Ed" John Metzler
EDWIN JOHN METZLER
January 16, 1932 – October 24, 2022
The family of Edwin (Ed) John Metzler is saddened to announce his passing on October 24, 2022 at the age of 90.
Ed was born in Fort William and raised in the Westfort area of Thunder Bay. It was here that he acquired an understanding of, and respect for, his own Ukrainian heritage as well as the traditions of other ethnic groups that enriched his neighbourhood.
Family was foremost in Ed’s life. He helped instill qualities and values in his children that would equip them for their careers, for raising their own families, and for giving back to their communities.
Ed thoroughly enjoyed his career in the transportation industry, primarily trucking, where his customers as well as competitors became life-long friends. His business acumen and management skills led him to the positions of Regional Manager for Motorways, Tri-Line Trucking, and Cougar Freight. His employees and co-workers in all 3 companies had the utmost respect for him. In addition to his regional contributions to the trucking industry, he was honoured to serve as President of the Ontario Roads Association.
Because of his commitment to his community, especially Westfort, he was encouraged to enter municipal politics where he served as Alderman/Councillor representing the Westfort Ward for 15 consecutive years. He was most pleased to help bring the Neste Boat Launch to Westfort as well as the West Thunder Community Centre, and storm sewers to all parts of his ward.
An outdoorsman himself, Ed was very active in the local Scouting organization. He led his Scout troops on numerous hikes, canoe trips, and camping weekends at the Grey Wolf Scout Camp. Most memorable was taking charge of a local Scout contingent to experience the World Jamboree in Norway.
Ed had an especially balanced lifestyle ensuring time for family, career, travel, leisure, and his favourite past time – gardening. He was a voracious reader and an outstanding financial planner. His faith was always important to him, and he cared deeply about his fellow parishioners at St. Agnes Parish. Ed was also a person you could count on to follow through on his commitments.
Ed is survived by his wife Beatrice; son Ward (Maureen) and their children Elizabeth Bruno (Giovanni), Joseph (Rachel), Michael (Sofia), and Christopher (Laura); son Patrick (Susana) and their children Nicolas, Maxim, and Neve; great grandson Daniel; sister Helen Shipston; niece Christine Sandford (Charles).
He was predeceased by his parents Annie and Henry Metzler, daughter Jo-Anne, brother Marshall, as well as the mother of his children, Joan.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 with family and friends gathering in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 1019 Brown Street, for the Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. celebrated by Father James Panikulam. A private interment will take place in Mountainview Cemetery at a later time. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, with Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 p.m.
If friends so desire, memorial donations to the charity of your choice, the Salvation Army, or St. Agnes Parish are appreciated.
January 16, 1932 – October 24, 2022
The family of Edwin (Ed) John Metzler is saddened to announce his passing on October 24, 2022 at the age of 90.
Ed was born in Fort William and raised in the Westfort area of Thunder Bay. It was here that he acquired an understanding of, and respect for, his own Ukrainian heritage as well as the traditions of other ethnic groups that enriched his neighbourhood.
Family was foremost in Ed’s life. He helped instill qualities and values in his children that would equip them for their careers, for raising their own families, and for giving back to their communities.
Ed thoroughly enjoyed his career in the transportation industry, primarily trucking, where his customers as well as competitors became life-long friends. His business acumen and management skills led him to the positions of Regional Manager for Motorways, Tri-Line Trucking, and Cougar Freight. His employees and co-workers in all 3 companies had the utmost respect for him. In addition to his regional contributions to the trucking industry, he was honoured to serve as President of the Ontario Roads Association.
Because of his commitment to his community, especially Westfort, he was encouraged to enter municipal politics where he served as Alderman/Councillor representing the Westfort Ward for 15 consecutive years. He was most pleased to help bring the Neste Boat Launch to Westfort as well as the West Thunder Community Centre, and storm sewers to all parts of his ward.
An outdoorsman himself, Ed was very active in the local Scouting organization. He led his Scout troops on numerous hikes, canoe trips, and camping weekends at the Grey Wolf Scout Camp. Most memorable was taking charge of a local Scout contingent to experience the World Jamboree in Norway.
Ed had an especially balanced lifestyle ensuring time for family, career, travel, leisure, and his favourite past time – gardening. He was a voracious reader and an outstanding financial planner. His faith was always important to him, and he cared deeply about his fellow parishioners at St. Agnes Parish. Ed was also a person you could count on to follow through on his commitments.
Ed is survived by his wife Beatrice; son Ward (Maureen) and their children Elizabeth Bruno (Giovanni), Joseph (Rachel), Michael (Sofia), and Christopher (Laura); son Patrick (Susana) and their children Nicolas, Maxim, and Neve; great grandson Daniel; sister Helen Shipston; niece Christine Sandford (Charles).
He was predeceased by his parents Annie and Henry Metzler, daughter Jo-Anne, brother Marshall, as well as the mother of his children, Joan.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 with family and friends gathering in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 1019 Brown Street, for the Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. celebrated by Father James Panikulam. A private interment will take place in Mountainview Cemetery at a later time. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, with Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 p.m.
If friends so desire, memorial donations to the charity of your choice, the Salvation Army, or St. Agnes Parish are appreciated.