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Passing of Past International President Theodore (Ted) E. Metiva

Past International President
Theodore (Ted) E. Metiva

Past International President Theodore (Ted) E. Metiva of Bridgeport, Michigan, passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by his family, on December, 24, 2024. He was born on May 29, 1937, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was married to Janet L. Baugh Metiva on May 17, 1958. She survives him after 66 years of Marriage.

Ted was a member of United Commercial Travelers of America, since 1970. He served for many years on committees and offices from the local level, on up to the International level, earning his Honors at each level. He was a member of the Past International Presidents Association

Ted began playing his cornet in 7th grade, and all through college. He attended Saginaw High School, Saginaw, MI, where he graduated in 1955. He entered Central Michigan University (then College) where he marched in the CMU Band. He received his Master’s Degree in Winter of 1963. 

Ted was an educator. He taught at Ricker Junior High School and then became the Guidance Director at Buena Vista High School, Saginaw, MI. He delighted in his students and was very proud of how successful so many had become. Ted retired after 34 years, in 1993. He enjoyed running into and chatting with his former students, from time to time.

Ted was a member of Bridgeport Community Church since 1963. He enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir, ushering, serving on the Joint Board, currently as Vice-Moderator, and working on the Funeral Dinners before COVID. 

Ted’s special hobby was antique cars, especially Model A Fords. He bought his first one to drive back and forth to high school, when he was 17. He owned others, but his love and energy went into his “show car,” a 1929 Pickup, a Grand National winner. Ted joined the Model A Club of America in 1956 and was a Charter Member of the local Script A Region. Ted also was a member of the Saginaw Valley Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, since 1961. The club enjoyed many weekend trips up north and color tours. He enjoyed annual trips, with friends, to Hershey, PA, Charlotte, NC and Auburn, IN, to National Car Shows and Swap Meets, where he loved judging show cars.

Ted belonged to the Frankentrost German Band, playing his cornet for 55 years in parades, concerts, and festivals. He was also a member of the Saginaw Area Concert Band, for over 20 years, playing concerts in churches and assisted living facilities. He enjoyed gathering with his Breakfast Boys, catching up over a meal.

Surviving are two sons: Lance Theodore Metiva (Sandy), of Hemlock, MI; and Randy Craig Metiva (Sheryl), of Birch Run, MI; four grandsons; four great grandchildren; in-law nieces and nephews; many grand nephews and nieces and great-grand nieces.

https://www.casefuneralhome.com/obituaries/theodore-metiva