Dean Metz's Obituary
Dean Metz 9/29/1935 - 7/1/2013 The Old Pueblo has truly lost one of our most beloved citizens. Born in St. Joseph, MI on September 29, 1935, the youngest of eight children. Dean's family moved to Tucson in 1948, where Dean's father, Carl Metz, established Redeemer Lutheran Church. Dean attended Amphitheater High School excelling in sports. He turned down an offer to play for the Chicago Cubs organization and instead accepted a full ride scholarship to play basketball in Arizona's Bear Down Gym. Dean's association with the U of A continued the rest of his life as an active member of the Letterman's Club and running game clocks for both U of A football and basketball games for 29 seasons. Upon graduating in 1957, Dean began teaching and coaching at Amphi and he also began officiating high school football and basketball, a passion and love for which lasted the rest of his life. In 1965 Dean transferred to newly opened Canyon Del Oro High School, teaching biology and becoming the school's first varsity baseball coach. The state championship became elusive for Dean with his teams five times finishing second in the state. Three times he was named Tucson's All City Coach and in 1998 was inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame as an official, coach, and athlete. In 1984 Dean became the assistant principal at Amphi Middle School and in 1988 he became principle at Coronado Middle School where he also coached the girls basketball team to an undefeated season. Upon his retirement Dean became a member of the Southern Arizona Retired Coaches and Officials Association. Dean married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Jackie Johnson, in 1955. Devout Christians whose lives were both blessed and touched with tragedy, losing two of their four children, twins Devon and Dale. Dean Metz was no ordinary man and beyond his accomplishments on courts and fields of play, was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of thousands of Arizonans. His wit, his humor, his laugh, his booming voice, his down right sense of honesty and fair play, made us feel we were special. His family, his friends, his students and his players, we will all miss you Dean! God's speed. Go Cubs! Dean was preceded in death by his mother and father, Carl Metz and Martha Buchholz. His wife Jackie, sons Devon and Dale, and granddaughter Jem Metz. Dean is survived by his sister Elda; brother, Erv; daughter, Deborah Neufeldt and son, Dion; granddaughter, Alyssa; and great-grandsons, Michael and Maddux. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, so loved by Dean and Jackie, at 8845 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 or ww.redeemertucson.orgReligious services will be Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. Community Memorial Service at McKale Center on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Dean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dean?
Share a story where Dean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dean you’ll never forget.
How did Dean make you smile?