In Memoriam: Robert (Bob) Metzler
GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Robert Metzler. AWG announced his passing in a post on LinkedIn. Bob was a legend in the industry and was loved by everyone who knew him. We wish his friends, family and the entire team at AWG peace during this tragic time. Read his full obituary below:
Robert G. “Bob” Metzler, 72, a Walt Disney World special effects icon and long-time resident of Orlando passed away suddenly on February 20, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final moments. Bob has lived in Orlando for nearly 40 years, moving to the Conway neighborhood with his young family of five in 1986. Bob was active in his community as the President of the Knights of Columbus at Blessed Trinity, soccer and baseball coach for his children’s teams, and President of his Homeowner’s Association.
Bob is predeceased by his parents John C. Metzler, Sr. and Bernadette V. Metzler (née Moroney) of Brooklyn, New York. Bob grew up on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery from 6 weeks old to adulthood as his father “Jack” was Superintendent of the cemetery from 1951-1972. Notably, his father presided over the burials of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
In 1970, Bob graduated from Bishop O’Connell Catholic High School in Arlington, VA where he played football, track, and lettered in baseball. He went on to attend Northern Virginia Community College and Oglethorpe University where he studied Business.
Bob’s career began as a Park Ranger in the National Park Service (Washington, D.C.), where he contributed to projects such as the U.S. Bicentennial Celebrations (1976), Earth Day, and Summer in the Parks.
In 1977, he entered the welding and gas industry and quickly became a top salesman. As well as selling welding and gas supplies to the medical and food & beverage industries, Bob contributed to the entertainment and hospitality industries of Orlando.
He played a pivotal role in creating smoke, fog, and hydraulic special effects for 15 iconic Disney Parades including the daytime parades for all four parks, the Electric Light Parade, SpectroMagic, Toy Story (1996), and Festival of Fantasy, as well as Halloween Horror Nights and Macy’s Parades in Universal Studios. He did the cryogenic effects for rides such as The Great Movie Ride, Stitch’s Great Escape, and Muppet 3D. Bob also left his creative mark on Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Disney’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage.
Bob and his wife of 48 years, Anne, retired in 2021 and remained in Orlando. During their retirement they enjoyed going to Disney, taking their grandkids to Delaney Park and the Orlando Science Center, and visiting their families in Georgia, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
Bob is survived by his wife Anne Metzler (née Short) of Orlando (formerly Monmouth Beach, NJ), three children Jennifer Stout (née Metzler) of Clarkesville, GA, Robert Jr. of Brookfield, WI, and Katie Brown (née Metzler) of Orlando, FL, and 8 grandchildren: Bryce Stout of Greenville, SC, Grace and Faith Stout of Clarkesville, GA, Phineas and Phoebe Metzler of Brookfield, WI, and Georgia, Samuel, and Henry Brown of Orlando, FL. As well as three brothers, William F. “Bill” Metzler of Grove City, OH, John C. “Jack” Metzler, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA, and James Peter “Pete” Metzler of Cocoa Beach, FL.
A Roman Catholic Requiem Mass was offered for Bob at St. James Cathedral by the Very Reverend Miguel Gonzalez on March 8th. A single bagpiper played “Sleep Daerie Sleep” across Downtown Orlando as his family and friends wept and prayed for the gentle repose of his soul.
The family would like to say a special thanks to the devoted staff, nurses, and doctors of the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) of Orlando Health: Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) for their exceptional care of our most beloved, Bob.
Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association.
Maine Oxy Announces New Corporate Roles
Maine Oxy announced the following corporate restructuring: Will Gentry will be exclusively focusing on sales and pricing. Will shall continue to work together with the sales team, retail stores, and the bulk team with the title of Partner – Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.
Simultaneously, Kelly Gentry will expand her role and be working with Operations and Productivity in addition to her current role working with Human Resources and Safety with the title of Partner – Chief Operations and Safety Officer.
Chris Campbell will continue in his role of Chief Financial Officer to oversee Accounting, Credit and Collections, IT, and Purchasing.
Jason Gentry will continue to work with both operations and finance departments producing timely and critically valuable data and analytics with the title of Partner.
Airgas Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 Lists
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, has been featured on two of Newsweek’s prominent lists: America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2023 and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024.
The America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 list, by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, features the top large and mid-size companies recognized by their employees for respecting and valuing individuals from different walks of life. The survey of over 220,000+ individuals included representation at over 1.5 million companies in America. Categories within the survey included the proactive management of diverse workforce, work-life balance, company image, working environment and compensation and benefits.
Airgas was also recently recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023. Companies were evaluated by 61,000 respondents living and working in the U.S. and over 389,000 company reviews in eight different categories such as company image, corporate culture, working environment, sustainability and career progression.
Stamy Paul, Airgas Senior Vice President of Human Resources, commented, “At Airgas, we want our associates to be themselves while becoming their best as part of a team where we embrace who they are, see who they are capable of becoming and give opportunities to fill their potential along the way.
This Newsweek recognition of Airgas as a best place to work supports our dedication to making Airgas a safe and inclusive environment where we work together to deliver our best every day — so our customers can deliver theirs.”
Airgas, Inc.
Airgas®, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals.
Airgas helps its more than 1 million customers advance their business performance and reach their full potential with reliable products, services and expertise used to create, build, care, serve and sustain. With nearly 18,000 associates, over 1,400 locations, a robust eBusiness platform, and Airgas Total Access® telesales channel, Airgas is ready to help customers fill their potential, every day.
As an Air Liquide company, a world leader in gases, technology and services for Industry and Health, Airgas offers customers an unrivaled global footprint and industry-leading technology and innovations.
Arc3 Gases Supports Local Charities
In a post on the company’s Facebook page, Arc3 Gases announced that it has continued its heartfelt tradition of giving back. The post reads, “In 2023, we chose to support Falcon Children’s Home and Family Services in Falcon, NC, just a stone’s throw from our Dunn Corporate Office. For 114 years, Falcon Children’s Home has provided a loving home for children in need. Thanks to the generosity of our amazing Arc3 Gases team, we were able to present a check of $22,420 to support their mission. If you would like to learn more, please visit their website: https://hubs.ly/Q02kNp8p0″
AWG Promotes Danny Villanueva to Branch Manager
AWG announced that Danny Villanueva has been promoted to branch manager of the company’s Waller, TX branch. Danny began his career in the industry at Bestway Welding Supply in 2013 as a delivery driver. By 2018, he had transitioned to counter sales. In 2021, Danny joined AWG in Waller, TX as a Counter Representative. Later, in 2022, he moved to the Market Street location in Houston to assist with inside and counter sales. Outside of work, Danny prioritizes spending time with his family. He is a proud father of two lovely young ladies, aged 17 and 18, and a dedicated husband to his wife of 22 years.
