Robert Elliot Metz (Bob), born March 3, 1933, passed away in La Jolla, California on Saturday, November 24, 2018. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Metz, daughter Ellen (Jere) Friedman, son William Metz, and grandchildren Rachel Alter (Jefe Branham) and Dr. Benjamin (Dr. Susanna) Alter.

Bob was a native of Detroit, Michigan, where he had careers in window manufacturing and real estate. Bob moved to San Diego in 1976 and pioneered the consumer video industry in southern California as one of the first to offer big screen televisions and home video rentals. Later, he co-founded Voice and Video, which sold professional audio-video equipment to corporate and government accounts.

Bob was always the first to volunteer, and community service was a guiding force throughout his life. In Detroit he was active in United Way and served as Chairman of the Torch Drive. After moving to San Diego, Bob was a founding member of the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club. He served on the Club’s Board for over 27 years and was President in 1987. He was Treasurer of the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation for over 10 years and was a member of the Foundation Board and the Investment Committee.

Through the Kiwanis Club, Bob co-founded The La Jolla Festival of Arts, serving as the Site Chairman for 22 years and as General Chairman in 2001. In 1995, the Club created the Robert E. Metz Award in his name, and it’s given annually to the person who goes above and beyond for the success of the La Jolla Festival of the Arts.

Bob was a member of Congregation Beth Israel for over 20 years, and volunteered and served in many capacities with his beloved congregation. At Beth Israel, he served on the Board of Directors, the Men's Club board, and the Cemetery and Mausoleum board. Bob served as President of the Men's Club from 2007 to 2009. In 2001, he co-chaired the Social Action Committee. He was a co-founder of the Stand with Israel Committee and helped with the Martin Luther King Day of Service cleanup project at Balboa Park. In 2003, Beth Israel named him one of its Volunteers of the Year. In the greater San Diego Jewish community, Bob helped with Jewish Family Services' Rides & Smiles. 

Whenever Bob saw a need, he jumped in to get something accomplished. Bob used his mother’s untimely and tragic death from E.coli food poisoning to work tirelessly to raise the awareness of proper food handling measures that prevent food contamination and the spread of this potentially deadly bacteria. He became very involved in national educational and awareness programs on the dangers of E.coli in one’s own home and in restaurants. Bob lobbied state and federal legislators, including visiting Washington, DC, for testimony before Congress, until legislation was finally passed to make food handling in restaurants safer.

The funeral was held Monday, November 26 at Congregation Beth Israel, followed by interment at Cypress View Mausoleum. Donations in memory of Robert may be made to Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego or to your favorite charity.

Robert Metz will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Our memories of him will be a blessing for all.