Obituary
William Frank (Bill) Metzler of Pincher Creek, beloved husband of Janet Gascoyne passed away peacefully on August 10, 2022, at the age of 80 years.
Besides his loving wife, Bill is survived by his children: Sharon (Brian) and grandchildren Brianna (Jarrid), Zachary and Bethany; Glen (Cathy) and grandchildren Adelynn, Liam, Kyle and Troy; Megan; and Yvonne (Jerry) and grandchildren Lachlan, Jessie and Johnny. Bill is also survived by a sister, Donna (Denis) Smith and two brothers.
Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Gloria Metzler and his parents, John William (Bill) and Doris Metzler.
After completing high school in Pincher Creek, Bill went to SAIT to study heavy-duty mechanics. There he met lifelong friend Jim (Faye) Grose. Although he was asked to stay and teach at SAIT, he knew his heart was set on farming and ranching. So, he returned to the Pincher Creek area, where he began to work on the IV Ranch alongside his uncle, Hugh McLaughlin.
In 1965 he married Gloria Pearson, and they settled on the old Anderson place, east of Pincher Creek, and nearby lifelong neighbors and friends, Fred and Alice Ames.
As the years passed, Bill and Gloria’s kids were born, and Bill and Hugh continued their partnership, through many highs and lows. The year Bill bought an expensive combine, Gloria told him that if he could spend the money on that, he could build a house, and so he did. They had been living in an old house with no running water for several years, and Gloria had had enough of dragging kids to the Ranch for baths.
Along the way, Bill earned his pilot’s license and purchased a plane (a Maule), which he flew for several years, building a landing strip and hangar on the farm. His love of flight was a lifelong passion. Not that long ago, he was gifted a helicopter ride in the mountains, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Bill and Hugh continued to build the ranch and farm over the years. The original lands of the IV Ranch are still part of the holdings to this day. Hereford cattle and John Deere machinery were the preferred choice of Hugh and Bill for the years of their partnership. As Hugh’s health failed, Karl Janzen stepped in and helped Bill at seeding and harvest time.
After Gloria passed away in 2008, Bill found a partner again in Janet Gascoyne and they were married in January 2013.
As Bill’s health failed over the past number of years, Janet stood by his side and was the advocate that he required as he fought several battles. At one point he was unable to run machinery or even really get around very well, and so he ran the farm and ranch from his living room chair. This was not where he really wanted to be, but it was the hand that had been dealt him. His body may have failed him, however, his keen mind and business acumen was strong until the end.
A Funeral Service will be held on August 20, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Creekside Community Church of Pincher Creek, AB. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to STARS Air Ambulance.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Metzler September 17 1941 August 10 2022 (age 80)..
Death notice for the town of: Fort-Macleod, Province: Alberta
To Janet and family
Robert and I are so sorry to hear of Bills passing please accept our Deepest
Sympathy.
Robert and Chris