Randall Douglas Mertz

Randall D. Mertz (Randy), 67, died suddenly at home in Mesa, AZ, on September 25, 2014. Randy was born in New York, graduated from St. John’s University (B.S.) and SUNY Stony Brook (M.A.), and moved to the Phoenix area with his wife and children in 1977. During his career, he taught at Westwood High School and Mesa Community College, and was a founding owner/vice president of University of Advancing Technology in Tempe. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara Koehler Mertz, and their two wonderful children, Alissa Mertz Allen and Justin Randall Mertz; and four beautiful grandchildren, Julia Ann, Emily Elizabeth, Maysen Kenneth, and Myles Randall. He will also be missed by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. Randy predeceases his younger siblings, Pamela Koehnemann, Melissa Mertz and Christopher Mertz, whom he loved very much. Randy’s passion for the last twenty years had been traveling with Barbara to Moorea, Tahiti, for several months a year, where he had many wonderful friends and enjoyed kayaking, biking, and the Tahitian way of life. The Mertz family will hold a memorial "Celebration of Life" ceremony for Randy on October 25, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd. (& McKellips), Scottsdale, AZ 85257. The memorial tribute will be held in the Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by light refreshments and mingling at the Gazebo, located close to Randy's gravesite for those who wish to pay their respects. Casual dress is suggested. Please -- no flowers. Sharing of funny stories and memories is preferred, and encouraged!

Arrangements under the direction of Lakeshore Mortuary, Mesa, AZ.