Image Up Advertising & Design

William Roy (Bill) Welch 10/16/35- 10/16/17. William Roy (Bill) Welch passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2017, his 82nd birthday. Bill was born in Miami, Florida in 1935. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and stationed in Germany where he met his wife Doris. Bill and Doris were married in San Bernardino in 1961 and raised their children in Redlands. Upon Bill's retirement from the computer service industry, the couple moved to Sun Lakes in 1997. Bill kept busy by serving several years as a director for Sun Lakes Villa District 10, singing in the Chorale, and volunteering at Carol's Kitchen in Banning. Bill enjoyed playing guitar, hiking, watching sports and traveling with his wife and friends. Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years Doris Welch, son Randy Welch, daughter Patty and husband Dan Bonelli, grandson Blake Bonelli, granddaughter Brooke and husband Sandon Button, and sister Marcile Campos. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. George Matyas passed away peacefully and painlessly with family members by his side on January 30, 2018, following a stroke the prior evening. George was preceded in death by his teenage sweetheart and wife of 69 years Margaret "Midge" Matyas in 2015. At 92 years young, George epitomized a life well lived and well loved. He left a lasting impression on those he knew well and those he had just met. He was curious, confident, intelligent, generous, interesting and more importantly "interested" in everyone and everything he encountered. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar. Born in Warren, Ohio, George grew up during the depression with 10 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Bazetta High School in 1942 and in May 1943 enlisted in the Army Air Force where he became a bomber pilot in Europe during World War II. Upon his return stateside, George swept Midge off her feet, married her and proudly enrolled at Ohio State University. He was the first in his family to attend college and received his degree in industrial engineering. Thus began a 32-year engineering career with US Steel, from Production Engineer to General Superintendent of Rolling Mills, overseeing thousands of employees in Youngstown OH, Torrance CA and finally Gary IN. Never one to retire, when he ended his career with U.S. Steel, George (in his 60s) formed a worldwide consulting business, Roll Designs International, personally sharing his knowledge of the steel industry all over the world. Traveling to Brazil, India, Dubai, England, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Poland to name a few. To share his wealth of knowledge in a larger arena, he also held training seminars, here and abroad, where over 150 companies from more than 43 countries attended to glean his knowledge. At 90 years old, George was still traveling and went to Saudi Arabia where he personally taught a week-long seminar. "Mr. George," as his students called him, was most proud of the friendships he made during these trips around the world, always picking up a few words of his students' native languages along the way. Second to his devotion to his wife and family was the game of golf. George moved to Sun Lakes in 2004 to play golf. He loved the game and, like most golfers, also hated it upon occasion. Beginning in college and up until a few days before he passed, George played in numerous leagues and clubs all over the world. Highlighting his golfing career was a stint on the senior Brazilian Golf Team. He was passionate about golf and after every game he played, he would call his son to tell him that he had "found the secret" and then offered up a new tip or a forgotten one. George will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those he leaves behind: His children and their spouses - daughter, Sharon Beth; sons, Gary (Ana Christina) and Bruce (Carol-Ann). His six grandchildren; Nicole, Mark (Roberta), Tanya (Eduardo), Rebecca, Brooke and Josh. His four great-grandchildren, Melodie, Christopher, Luc and Leonardo. His surviving siblings — brother Johnny and sister Dorothy. Plus many nieces, nephews and their families too numerous to mention that he loved dearly. He also leaves behind many loving friends, business associates and other extended family. His memory will live on forever with a shared "George" story, a glass of scotch or champagne and a cigar. In line with George's wishes, a celebration of life will take place on April 22, 10:30 am -1:30 pm at the Sun Lakes North Clubhouse for his local family and friends. A second celebration will be held during the Matyas Family Reunion July 1 at Maffit Meadows in Warren, Ohio, where a large part of the Matyas family still resides. George was so looking forward to attending this reunion in his role as the proud family elder. Joseph Anthony Metz 80, passed away on February 26, 2018 at his home in Sun Lakes. He was born August 15, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio to Joseph and Catherine Metz. Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1957, and he was an active member of our local VFW Post 233, Friends of Bill W. and the American Legion. He graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor's degree in 1985. Joe had worked for many companies in Ohio, Maryland, California and eventually retired from McDonnell Douglas. Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Metz; daughter, Robin Metz; sons, Michael Metz and Joseph A. Metz Jr.; brother, Robert Metz; sister, Judith Moody; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 68 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2018 | Friends we will miss We want to remember your loved ones in the "Friends We Will Miss" section, above, but we need your help. Please be sure to get us the information about their passing. Turn in any obituaries to the Main Clubhouse reception desk or send them electronically to SunLakesNews@ yahoo.com.

• Cover