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Remembering Kevin Raymond Metzger

The Late Kevin Raymond Metzger, LLB. Barrister-at-Law.
Kevin died in London on 6 August 1999 after a brief illness. Acknowledged by his peers as one of the brightest legal sparks in London, his career was cut short tragically in his prime - he was just a month away from his 42nd birthday.
Kevin grew up in Freetown and schooled at the Prince of Wales Secondary School, King Tom. He proceeded to sixth form at neighbouring St. Edwards School where he gained excellent 'A' levels.
After a brief teaching career in Freetown he proceeded to University College Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom to fulfil his life-long ambition of studying law and following in the footsteps of his uncle - Mr. Gelega-King, current Chief Justice of The Gambia.
Kevin graduated with an LLB degree and was soon undergoing pupilage at the renowned 54 Fleet Street Edmond Alexander Chambers in London. He was called to the Bar in England and Wales in 1986 and he immediately embarked on a brilliant legal career that took him first to Somersett Chambers, and then to Horizon Chambers in Chancery Lane - the hallowed abode of the cream of the English Bar.
Perhaps the high point of Kevin's short but illustrious career came in 1995 when he appeared in a landmark case at the highest court in the land - The House of Lords at Westminster. He argued and successfully won an appeal that effectively set an English legal precedent for certain aspects of succession within Landlord and Tenant law.
In spite of his remarkable achievements Kevin remained a humble fellow whose life was driven by a healthy fear of God. Relatives, colleagues and friends all recall his constant pleasantness - always smiling and ready for a joke with that trademark twinkle in his eyes. He took on many a courtroom battle to defend the luckless - one of the most touching scenes at his funeral was the unrestrained venting of grief by a client whom he had rescued from several months in prison after a miscarriage of justice.
Kevin is survived by his wife Rachel and two young sons in London, his mother Mrs. Elna Metzger, his brothers Ronald and Desmond and sister Beryl, his uncle Chief Justice Gelega-King, and several other loving relatives and friends. He is sadly missed by all that knew him.
Kevin was proud of his Sierra Leonean roots and was deeply concerned about the fate of innocent people back home. He will remain a shining example, and an inspiration, for young Sierra Leoneans.
As the saying goes: "His sun went down while it was yet day". May his soul rest in perfect peace.
© 1999 SLIS Legal Notice