Leo Arthur Metz was born April 18, 1936 in Polson, Montana, to Mondell and June Metz. He passed away on March 20, 2017 in Lynden at the age of 80.
Leo graduated from Polson High School in 1954 and attended Caroll College in Helena, Montana. In 1958 he married Betty Crawford, who became his lifelong friend until her passing in 2015. Leo and Betty lived in several towns in Montana and Idaho and finally settled in Lynden in 1965. Leo enjoyed a career as an electrician until he retired. He not only built the family home in Lynden, but was a gentleman farmer as well. His livestock included cows, chickens and ducks. He even raised quail and pheasants, which he hatched from eggs. Dogs, cats, horses and rabbits rounded out his farm animal family. He loved his animals, but his priorities were his family and providing for them. He also was a master gardener and built greenhouses where he grew all kinds of vegetables and fruits. He loved spending time with the family on Sundays as that was “Family Day.” Swimming and pizza were just two of the outings he enjoyed. Spending time with his family in the cabin that he and his father built on Flathead Lake was always a highlight. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and often took his sons and grandsons out on his small fishing boat. Leo taught all his children to swim. He was a loving husband who was committed to his wife, Betty. Leo was at her side throughout her eight-year illness. He endured this time with the love and support from his family and from those at the Christian Health Care Center who cared for mom. He also spent his last days at CHCC and we appreciate all the care he received there.
Leo is survived by his children, Art (Shelley) Metz of Whitefish, Montana, Tina Metz of Bellingham, Christine (Rod) Hoefakker of Sumas, John Metz of Richland, Washington, and Tim (Karen) Metz of Lynden; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with three on the way; brother Jim (Joanne) Metz of Mount Vernon and sister Judell Harsh of Bellingham.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Metz; infant children Kristopher and Danette; and brother Mondell Metz.
Leo’s stories, family history, photography, gardening and generosity will be greatly missed. He had a sense of humor and enjoyed his friends and family.
Please share memories and stories of Leo at www.molesfarewelltributes.com.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, in The Firs, 4605 Cable St., Bellingham.
