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Bill Rodgers | 1965 - 2005 We mourn the passing of our dear friend and community member, Bill Rodgers, who worked tirelessly for the causes of social justice and environmental sustainability. We ask that he be remembered as the gentle, kind, and compassionate person we all knew and loved here in Prescott. We remain committed to continuing the work of community building and ecological awareness, through the Catalyst Infoshop, as part of the legacy Bill helped to create. We wish our friend the peace and serenity that he strived so hard to create in this world. This is a great loss for our community. We love you, Bill. December 22, 2005 |
A Memorial Service is tentatively planned for February 11 in Prescott. More details will be posted soon...
 See some photos of Bill along with some drawings and images that were special to him - supplied by Katie.Bill Rodgers Memorial Page We have set up an on-line memorial page - please submit stories, recollections, photos, drawings or whatever else about Bill to info@catalystinfoshop.org. The Friends of the Catalyst would also like to remind us that Bill did not believe in cutting flowers - so please do not send flowers. Make a Donation to support Bill's arrangements, life's work, and legacy. We are working on setting up a scholarship in his name, keeping the Catalyst open, and creating a memorial display. News of Bill's Passing
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December 12, 2005 Dear Friends, Supporters and Acquaintances, 
Allow me to start by saying, the Prescott community is the most loving and generous community I have known. I am honored to be in community with so many who give their time and energy to creating and sustaining The Catalyst Bookstore and Infoshop. I think Bill would agree that The Catalyst would not exist if not for the generosity of this community. As you probably have heard, on Wednesday Dec. 7th The Catalyst was raided by 15 federal agents. The Catalyst was cordoned off with police tape and searched for over seven hours. Bill Rodgers, my partner, was arrested and taken to Flagstaff where he now awaits a hearing. We are uncertain what he is being charged with. It seems that the vague allegations refer to damage of a federal building in Washington State dating back to 1998. The authorities have given us very little information about Bill’s charge or even if there is any evidence. What we do know, however, is that Bill has been an integral and active part of our community. Many of you have probably experienced his kind, generous personality and know him as an honest and dependable friend. Bill has guided us, listened to us, and taught us to respect all life. He has lived in Prescott for many years, is alumni of Prescott College, and has dedicated himself tirelessly to keeping the Catalyst Infoshop available as a community resource. During these times, we must not forget Bill for who he is and how he has served so many. Whether it be hurricanes, racial and cultural injustice, or violation of our basic rights—our communities are being widely challenged. We are strong and must stick together. We will not be scared or intimidated by attempts to break up the environmental and social justice community here and elsewhere. We need to show Prescott and the U.S. that we are not ashamed of who Bill—or The Catalyst—is, but proud of how they have served to bring people together. The best way you can support Bill now is to come to his hearing on Friday, Dec.16th in Flagstaff. There will be a Vigil outside the federal courtroom (123 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff) from 10am-11am. Carpools will leave from Prescott College at 7am Friday morning. Bring a car if you have one. People will come back to Prescott very soon after the vigil. This is our last chance to show support for Bill here in Arizona as he will likely be moved to Washington State next week. If you can’t come, please send Bill your prayers. Check www.catalystinfoshop.org for the latest information about Bill and how you can help. We will soon have a way for people to send money for his legal defense. I had the opportunity to speak with Bill in jail last week. The one major thing he asked for was to keep The Catalyst open and alive. A number of committed individuals have stepped up and are organizing volunteers to staff The Catalyst. Bill’s trial could last many months and we will need your continued support to keep the infoshop open.
In these times it is important to honor and nurture those things that inspire and foster a loving community. The Catalyst has proven to be one such place and it is our sincerest hope that it will continue to go on in this fashion. In order to do this we need your help. It is crucial that the Catalyst stay open. For this we need people who would be willing to donate just two hours a week to help staff the bookstore. We will gladly accept any monetary donations that you can provide to help with the shop’s overhead. Additionally, a fund for Bill’s legal fees, which will be substantial, is being created. We know it is a busy time of year for many people and any help would be greatly appreciated. Please keep Bill in your thoughts and prayers.
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