David Earl Metzger

As I write this memorial to my brother, David Metzger, I find it fitting to sit in his favorite place…on his front porch swing that was made by his father.      David started life on this earth December 4, 1951 in Leavenworth, Kansas.  Born to Earl and Ruth Metzger, he was the second child of three.      He spent his earliest years on a dairy farm making trips to the neighbors house when his little legs could carry him faster than his mother could move.       In a few years the family would move to Whittier, California near to where his great aunt and uncle lived.  His father worked as a carpenter but he could fix anything.  This trait was passed on to David.      When his dad and mom decided to try farming again in the 50’s, they moved again to Olathe, Kansas.  This was an adventure for all and a lot of work.  As David put it, “you could do anything you wanted”.  His cousins, Terry and Gary McKenzie, would often visit and along with his brother Karl would find fun things to do.       After a few years the family again moved back to Whittier where David spent the rest of his school years until graduation from Monte Vista High School.  He enjoyed math, mechanical drawing and shop.      He had a keen interest in cars that he shared with his dad, brother and cousins.  Early on he completed rebuilding a Chevy Nova engine.  This was not the last engine or car that David would work on.  He never hesitated to help others with their cars.  David could do anything!      David’s first priority was always family.  A year out of high school he went on a blind date with Pamela Louise Imhoff who would soon become his wife.  They settled in Southern California and later in Post Falls, Idaho.  Married for 45 years, David and Pam raised eight children: Dolly, David Jr., James, Mary, Sarah, John, Daniel and Emma who now live in Idaho, Washington and Montana.  He has always been there to support and help them in everything they did.      David always took work seriously.  He started on the farm helping his dad with the many chores.  He later had jobs at the school cafeteria and as a filling station attendant at a time when the attendants pumped gas and fixed cars.  One of those stations was Ken Powell’s “76” station where Dave not only worked but had regular “Poker Nights” with Ken and the guys.  His senior year in high school Dave started a job at Morton Salt as a mechanic and later as lead man for almost nine years, as well as having several other side jobs.  He was then hired at Shasta Cola where he worked as a mechanic and later in a management position.       During his work years he attended Rio Hondo College to improve is work skills and knowledge.  He took Metallurgy, Drafting and Machine Shop Fabrication.       In 1982 David was hired at Miller Brewing Company in Irwindale, California where he contracted for thirty-five years as a mechanic and later in management.      Being an excellent mechanic, David helped many of his coworkers to also strengthen their skills while making lifelong friends along the way.  That was evident by the many calls he received prior to his death.  He felt they were his family too and treated them as such.       On Friday July 28, 2017 after being diagnosed some eight months earlier with cancer, David passed away at his home.       Some of David’s favorite things were a ‘66 Nova, pepperoni pizza with marinara sauce, the color blue, the Beach Boys, Stevie Nicks, his German Shepherd dogs (Grizzly, Sasha & Riddick), Kansas and his front porch swing.       He is survived by his wife Pamela, their eight children and spouses, thirty grandchildren, his sister Judy Metzger, his mother-in-law Mary Imhoff, his bother and sisters-in-law (Pat Davis, Judy Aviles, John Imhoff & Tim Imhoff) as well as their spouses and children. He will be missed and loved by all!