Robert George Metzger

Robert George Metzger, 87, passed away at Trillium Woods on Wednesday, July 15th after a short illness. He was surrounded with his family at his side and is survived by his wife, Shirley, children, Kathy (Matthew) MacGregor, Robb Metzger, Mark Metzger, grandchildren, Ian, Meghan & Andrew MacGregor, Madison & Reese Metzger, and adopted "son" Theogene Nshimirimana. A celebration of Bob's life will be held in the Fall of 2015, an announcement for the service will be made at a later date. Bob passed away on July 15, 2015 following a brief illness. Born in Port Huron, Michigan, he graduated in 1946, and along with 75 classmates, joined the military service, allowing them free education under the G.I. Bill for Veterans. Bob served 18 months in Japan. In 1948 he moved to Grand Rapids and after attending Grand Rapids Community College, he graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. Degree in Engineering. Bob worked at Lear, Inc. where he met his wife, Shirley. They were married in 1958 and raised three children, Kathy, Robb and Mark. He enjoyed his profession working for a number of companies and fulfilled it by developing his own business, West Michigan Instrumentation. He was referred to as "Mr. West Michigan" in the field of Instrumentation. His presence and devotion will be very sadly missed by his family, his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley, sons, Robb and Mark, his daughter, Kathy MacGregor (Matthew), grandchildren Ian, Meghan and Andrew MacGregor and Madison and Reese Metzger. He will also be sadly missed by a special young man in his life, Theogene Nshimirimana. Bob was a family man, enjoying games and visiting with his grandchildren, helping with projects, and going to sporting events. He was an avid walker, reader, and fix-it-man, always having a project to work on. He enjoyed sharing news events of the day, having an interesting story to share with others, that gift of gab. Bob was a lifelong sailor, beginning at the age of 12 sailing snipes, later E boats and eventually racing his favorite - an 8 meter, "Rangoon". With his family, he sailed on "Kirokama", enjoying many memorable trips. He was an active member of First (Park) Congregational Church, joining in 1954, and very active in the YMCA Y's Men Service Club in their many activities: Santa Claus Girls, Run Thru Apple Country and the White Elephant Sale. He retired in 1985. He is so sadly missed by all who knew him; his smile, that twinkle in his eye, his special teasing and quick wit. His memories are sweet and dear as he was to all who met him. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on September 12, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Service to be held at First Park Church, 10 East Park Pl., N.E. Family will greet prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, In Memory of Robert Metzger, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606 and/or "Operation Purple Camps" (for Veteran's Children), National Military Family Association, In Memory of Robert Metzger, 3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 425, Alexandria, VA 22304.

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