Bill Mollison
With deep sorrow, we wish to inform family and friends that Bruce Charles “Bill” Mollison, the “Father of Permaculture,” has passed away. He departed peacefully from this world in Hobart, Tasmania, just before 11 pm AEST, on the 24th of September, 2016.
After founding Permaculture Institute in 1978, he formalized the training of practitioners, which directly impacted hundreds of thousands of lives, and indirectly many millions more. For his service to humanity, he was honored with numerous awards, including the Right Livelihood Award in 1981. But of all the accolades he received, the one he was most proud of was the Vavilov Medal, in large part due to the tenacity, courage, and contributions of the award’s namesake, who Bill considered a personal hero. Bill was also the first foreigner invited and admitted to the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Bill will be missed by many who loved him for his strength, courage, intellect, humor, and benevolence. He gifted so much to the world: a vision and framework for a positive future, a special concern for developing countries, and above all, hope.
This is the Bill that the public knew.
For those who were his intimates, words are especially difficult, breaking under the weight of what the heart feels and longs to express.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family and close friends, who kindly request privacy and space during this difficult grieving period; at an appropriate time, a public memorial will be announced for those who wish to formally extend their condolences.
A massive tree in the forest of humanity has fallen. But in keeping with Bill’s invincible optimism, these verses from the great mystic, Rumi, are perhaps most appropriate:
For me it is a time of meeting and reunion.
As you lower me into the grave, don’t say, “So long.”
When you see that lowering down, consider a rising.
What harm is there in the setting of a sun or moon?
What seems a setting to you is a dawning.
What seed goes into the earth and does not grow?
Why are you doubting this human seed?
Bill, you will never be forgotten.
The above is an official statement of the Permaculture Research Institute, prepared at the request of Bill’s widow, Lisa Mollison.
Very sad to hear
very ;(
Left a great legacy to follow
Sorry for the loss of this great man. He left a legacy for us to continue.
Doorkie Terence Livingston
Shared to the wellness gardening community site of the Good Earth Chef Barry Anderson
Loss of a great nature innovator!
✨ Gratitude, Mollison! What a beautiful legacy you leave in this world ✨
thanks for everything Bill ❤️❤️
“…He wanted everyone to plant a tree when he passed…” was the message passed on from his family this morning. Choose your tree and it’s location wisely dear ones. Implement all you have learned!
i will plant many.
John Yaxley
I’ll be planting a forest!
Planting more fruit trees to preserve his legacy
Danny Carter Gerard Worm Jenny Spragg Benjamin Broadwith Benedict Smith Doody Doon Holly Rhodes Jeff Rhodes
Kenn Andersen me too-been growing eucalypts from seed and many are ready-red gum, ironbark an lemon scented gum-just for Bill
I hope to plant many trees and teach my children and grandchildren to do the same so that his teachings are never forgotten.
Manchester Permaculture Network members could also plant trees, or indeed forest gardens or fruit forests, to implement what we have learned from him and his collaborators/followers…
gracias.
Blessings to the family. Thanks for the wisdom and just the simple and beautiful way you loved Mr. Mollison. A beautiful Tasmanian soul. I will plant a Bill Mollison tree in your memory. ☆
I am saddened. He shall be missed.
What wonderful contributions he made to this planet! Long live permaculture & so much gratitude to you Mr. Mollison! Fly high in the ethers
He got out.. He never wanted everlasting life. It’s up to us “poor sods” to make our lives mean something special too now. Let us all appreciate and continue what he started.
much love & gratitude <3
RIP, he left a deep legacy .Go with God my friend
great loss – a true legend.
Bill will walk with all of us as we move into a age of abundance and respect for nature. My deepest gratitude and blessings to Bill and Loved ones in this time of transition.
Thank you for showing us a better way Bill. May your dream become humanity’s dream.
My condolences to your family and friends, Bill.
sorry for the loss of such a wonderful ,kind person, prayers to his family
✨Om mane padme hum✨
Infinite gratitude to the man who taught us how & why we must live With Mother Nature, learn from her and protect her to thrive ourselves.
Abir JLHana Ben Hriz :(
A wonderful legacy and beautiful poem by Rumi to capture the moment of transition.
Hope he rests in peace !
RIP
RIP. See u on the other side!!!
Frida Garcia, Benjy Espinosa Herrera, K’epani Barceló Aspeitia Yolanda Gutiérrez Acosta, Granja La Tierra.
My thoughts and prayers to his family at this difficult time. I will do my best to make you proud and pass your knowledge onto my grandchildren so your legacy may extend beyond many lifetimes.
I recently lossed my sister, Shirley! Our family placed her ashes along with Our Beloved Sister Sharon, Our Lovely Mother, Sophia And Our Very Strong Head Of The Household, Our Father Melvin O. J……. RIP Our Treasured Souls! I expressed my feeling in this writings … written as we drove to Celebrate the lives of Our Four Amazing And Extremely Loved Family … Now Angels Of GOD!
RIP Mr. Bill Mollison! We Celebrate Your Life! Asking GOD to bring Peace and Harmony to the Bereaved Family.
Shirley, Sharon, Sophie and Mel!
Death is only painful to those left behind! Know that our loved ones will always live in our Hearts, our Minds, our Soul.
Our memories are like fine linens … Treasures of Life …. Snap shots of time! Treasures they are! Each and every one!
After, my beloved sister Sharon’s death … I created a very private place in my mind to keep her memories alive!
I often sought refuge in what I endearingly called The Attic In My Mind! I would recess to the love, warmth, and peacefulness of my private place.
I would immerse my being with the textures, the colors of joy, the brightness of happy moments, the muted shades of despair and grief.
Over the years … My father, my mother joined their angelic daughter, Sharon.
And now …. our vivacious, cultured and extremely witty, Shirley D. Owens, has taken her refuse to this special place as well.
This attic in Our Minds! Where we are free to feel their love, their closeness and touch their souls! Visit often … Keep Loved Ones close!
It has been my comfort and strength for now and forever!
Family … Learn to treasure the attic in your mind! …. Where your loved ones embrace awaits! …. in the wink of an eye …. Once again connected! Forever …
Just know that Our Loved Ones are now experiencing a new found freedom … No longer imprisoned in an earthly body of flesh and blood! Their Spirits are dancing in the Heavens and basking in the Moonlight … Free of physical pain and suffering! Keeping this in mind, you will now feel their peace and contentment …. knowing that they live in joy.
Reaching out to all of you in your moment of tears!
Mug!
Gratitude, Mollison! What a beautiful legacy you leave in this world
Very sad to hear about Bill’s passing away. He left behind a rich legacy called Permaculture, & taught the world an alternative non -chemical & sustainable Agriculture. May his soul rest in peace. May the knowledge he spread cover the nooks & corners of our planet.
Il aura œuvré pour notre Mère Gaïa il est un bienheureux . Gratitude à cet Homme .
<3 :( Goodbye Bill Mollison! Thank you for your legacy! It has changed my life and my vision of life in general. See you on the other side! :( <3
His spirit will be with us always. His teachings will always guide us. With evwry tree we plant, his principles and believes will be with us.
His ideals will outlive him
What a wonderful, productive, and generous life he led.
you will never die…
Sorry to hear that, condolences to his close friends and family! Sending my love and prayers�
My deepest condolences to his family the world has lost a guiding light and a true guardian farewell good sir , may your journey into whatever lies beyond is peaceful and wondrous
This is very sad news, yet I am now more resolute in my decision to spend the rest of my days on this Earth implementing Mr. Mollison’s ideals of permaculture. Rest in peace you dear man and thank you for all you have done for this planet!
The very best way to honor his tremendous legacy 👍🏻💝
Thank you for everything you’ve taught us Bill . Rip
Bill was such a genius and an inspiration. He was also hilarious in his own kooky yarn-spinning way. Read his 863 page autobiography “Travels in Dreams” to meet the man behind the legend. It will give you insight into how he came to his way of thinking about the world. You will also laugh and be astonished over and over. Truly a life well lived!
Condolence….but what you taught others will never die….
Very sad news.. Brilliant man & mind… Genius…
We shall plant fruit trees as our appreciation for Bill Mollison and the legacy he has left us with. Many thanks Bill
Goodbye to a unique and inspirational character
A fine man with a lot to teach us. We will miss you.
A great man has gone, but left us immense knowledge. Thanks Bill for being an inspiration for many.
This news leaves me quitly crying. When the grief passes I will be so gratefull for his life among us!! Now I must select a tree(s) and find a proper place(s) for it(them).
Sad day He must have felt positive about all those whom he taught & that it was time for all to carry forward the legacy he so brilliantly anchored. Blessings. Gratitude. Respect Eternal
A giant tree has fallen. Now we have to grow!
I just read Introduction To Permaculture and I think he is so brilliant. Thank you for the amazing knowledge he gave to us and taught us how to live a better life.
May condolences.
Sorry to hear, RIP.
RIP….
Sad loss for his passion is very contagious- that is good.
Rest in Peace Bill, an inspiration and your legacy of Permaculture will live on with your spirit as a guide for us.
A great man! My inspiration to practice permaculture many years ago. His legacy will live on! Rip Bill �
I will plant a avacia tree for my gratitude to him and permaculture
thankyou for your inspiration!
Read his books, breathe him in and deeply, and be changed forever.
Spirit now has him back for the inner permaculture. What a blessing he has been for every organic and biodynamic farmer.
Sincere condolences to his loved ones.
A great Loss, but he’s left a huge legacy !
RIP “I do not, in my lifetime, or that of my children’s children, foresee a world where there are no eroded soils, stripped forests, famine or poverty, but I do see a way in which we can spend our lives towards earth repair. If and when the whole world is secure, we have won a right to explore space, and the oceans. Until we have demonstrated that we can establish a productive and secure earth society, we do not belong anywhere else, nor (I suspect) would we be welcome elsewhere.” –Bill Mollison,
Rest In Peace Bill Mollison. In the coming weeks my PDC starts.
Oh, so sad. A wonderful man. Watching Bill taught us so many of the principals we have in our life today. Thank you for your wisdom and inspiration. RIP
Thank you Bill, for your gifts to the world.
NOW it hits me how many people he has effected in his lifetime, in a good way. Truely the mark of a great man, and I am foever grateful. You will be missed Bill.
may his spirit now haunt the enemies of nature :)
I just sent his book to a friend in Africa! He reads 10 pages a day and is implementing what he learns to feed his community and create jobs! Yay! Bill changed my world view and the way that I live.
He put a seed down, very powerful one. See how it grown. A great man!! Angels must be happy with his job down here. Thank for it Mr. Mollison.
What an inspiring person, blessings
Sad to hear. We’ll be starting mulberry cuttings to plant.
RIP Great Man.
Oh no
24th of September,a new tree,every year forever to honour, the gardener !!
Such a great man
I shall plant……….ASAP !
A giant on whose shoulders many dwarves shall stand to see great things. THANK YOU BILL!
Father of a world-changing movement…may we all follow in his footsteps. Planting a fig in his honor.
farewell to the man who sparked the idea that we can heal the earth one acre at a time. thanku
An unusual and talented man.
Rest in peace Bill, you have done and given so much. My life changed once I discovered permaculture and your illustrations and concepts in permaculture one are forever engraved in my mind. It’s up to us to continue what you have taught and we will do our best to change this world for the best.
The passing of a legend … His legacy will continue to be outworked through those who have been illuminated by the truth that there can be a better way to do “Life”
Let’s all continue his great work
Thank you Bill Mollison for the wonderful valuable contribution you have made to all of our lives, and to mine over the last 30 or so years that I have been reading your wisdom and trying to implement it into my life. There never has and never will be anyone like you.
I will choose a very special tree that bears fruit, shades and protects, and welcomes birds into my garden, and dedicate it to you. I welcome suggestions.
❤
Rest in peace to a great man, we must all continue working towards a sustainable future, thank you for the inspiration and your awesome sense of humour
very sad news, he was a legend… long before verybody else.. love his books… RIP Bill Mollison..
Now Bill enjoy your journey in the Great Permaculture of the World of the Spirit !
My very favourite observation so far: A massive tree in the forest of humanity has fallen. Thank you. What a beautiful analogy for an exceptional human.
✨❤️✨✨
I will plant in honour and respect of the father of Permaculture. Heartfelt sympathy to family and friends.
Rest in peace ✌, a great man of vision, who showed us a way to live softly in the land,
Bill was a true pioneer and visionary, a great leader. He dared to dream of changing the world for the better and had the courage to go out there and do it. He truly has left the world a better place than he found it, leading by example.
His work will be continued by countless people worldwide, those who have been inspired by his vision, and whose passion has he been sparked by his. Those continuing the ecological revolution that Bill Mollison started truly stand on the shoulders of a giant.
Bill, we will miss you dearly. As my teacher, your life fills me with inspiration to make a real difference and live a life worth living. Thank you for your priceless gift to the world.
In contract to purchase 66 tillable acres. Will be planting away once we close!
Was such an honor to have known you Bill. The knowledge and tools you offered to the world and the many hundreds of thousands you trained over the years has made the Planet a far better place. Thank you for educating me in Glen Rose Texas in 1995 and honoring me as a Certified Permaculture Designer. The work continues!
He sure left a legacy. RIP Bill.
The death of God! RIP William!
so, so sorry to hear.
He is a great soul , now in heaven ,the principles of knowledge ,he had taught us , could help , save this world . Mis condolencias para todos.
Knowing of him completely changed my life!
I have a new golden coconut planted in his Memory as of this morning !
Oh Lisa – we are so sad for your loss. It was lovely to meet you both – you’ve inspired so many!
Incredible man. Condolences to the family.
Thoughts are with everyone who was touched by this remarkable spirit. Whilst we are saddened by his passing, more so the planet and the people who walk on the planet were truly blessed by his presence. What a wonderful human being!
Bill not only changed my life through the sharing of his wisdom, he started a cascade of change within my family which continues to this day. I think of him often and give thanks that I knew him, listened to him and passed on his wisdon. I celebrate your life Bill.
My 2 weeks with Bill in the mountains of North Carolina changed my outlook and drove me in a new way. Thank you my friend, rest in PEACE.
Attending my own permaculture course today when I heard the news. We did our small ceremony of greatfulnes for Bill and shared our love and hope for the continued permaculture movement in his honor.
He will be missed
Bill you showed us how to plant good seeds, sort the seeds, water them and store the goid ones as well..Your knowledge and legacy will grow the same way as your blossomed talks. The fruits will be collected and shared..many more ways and in life..An Amazing person..Love you forever…Thanks for your gifts �������
Devastating news. I literally am playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow by IZ because of all my years in Hawaii and when I’m feeling melancholy I play my Hawaiian music. And I know Bill loved Hawaii so here’s to you my dear friend. Aloha Bill. You will always be with us in spirit! Lesley
Thank you for your radical thinking Bill, will be planting a Mexican Jacaranda for you!
What an inspirational person who is leaving a fabulously sustainable legacy. RIP Bill
His soul is resting but his work continues to generate fertile ground and hearts. Surely he rests in peace and love ..
Thank you Bill.
Beautiful what’s written…
“A massive tree in the forest of humanity has fallen. But in keeping with Bill’s invincible optimism, these verses from the great mystic, Rumi, are perhaps most appropriate:
When you see my procession, don’t cry, “Gone, gone!”
For me it is a time of meeting and reunion.
As you lower me into the grave, don’t say, “So long.”
When you see that lowering down, consider a rising.
What harm is there in the setting of a sun or moon?
What seems a setting to you is a dawning.
What seed goes into the earth and does not grow?
Why are you doubting this human seed?”
Thank you, thank you, thank you Bill. :) :) :)
So sorry to hear this. I have no doubt Bill’s legacy will live on and will only become more critical as the world changes.
Sad
sad day indeed, condolences to the family and friends, will be planting trees.
So sad that I never got a chance to meet him. But his books and teachings have still massively impacted my life and the 3 properties I have applied the permaculture principles to. Thank you for everything Bill. You are a legend. I’ll certainly be planting a tree for you this week #plantatreeforbill
So sad to hear that. An icon has gone, sad loss for Australia.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Bill, your ideas and stories changed my life, you will never be forgotten.
So sorry to hear this ,a wonderful man !
Now this is a great loss to the world. His teachings will live on though in everyone who ventures to build a permaculture garden.
Very sad condolences to the family. He always be remembered in our hearts
He will be sorely missed in Permaculture circles. A truly great man
Thank you Bill!! Bon voyage!
thanks for your sharing your gift, you will live on in our gardens and tummy’s
my deepest condolence to his family and for wonderful contributions that he made to this earth….
Once his family are ready – a suggestion: Would be nice to have a public tree planting memorial somewhere like the botanical gardens?
you did not want eternal life, but your memory and deeds will live on
You are not gone, you live with us for ever. Thank you Bill for all that you have done.
If you want to leave your footprints in the sands of time, make sure you are wearing work boots – Unknown
May the seeds of wisdom that he planted within each and every one of us continue to grow, blossom and spread across the world.
Congrats to U.
Requiescat In Pace, Bill.
Thank you Bill for giving us this wonderful possibility of life called permaculture !
Una gran perdida para la humanidad, aunque su legado permanecerá por siempre.
What a man, what a life and what a legacy!
This ain’t a loss. He’s done plenty, done enough. :D His watch is ended!
http://www.JamesKoss.com
Condolences to the bereaved family.
What ?
I can’t help but feel sad but at the same time be very grateful for such a charismatic and purposeful human being to have existed and affected the lives of so many others. Not just humans, all forms of life have benefited from Bills actions and from the downflow of actions carried on by his pupils. I wish I had had the chance to meet him on this world. Thank you Bill :)
An abundant life well lived. His inspiration grows around our world.
To me the greatest teacher of all time. He left a legacy though of intelligent thinkers that hopefully will be able to make our world absolute in abundance. I have passed to the degree I could his & of course Geoff’s thinking on to my kids. Les Peters
Inolvidable legado. Vivirá por siempre… Un abrazo grande. También plantaré un árbol….
I will find a tree today for you Bill maybe I will find 3 that sounds better so come up here Jeff and help me I never buy little tiny trees one rootball weighed 150 lbs and I had to tie to my back and drag it to the hole that Nikko dug for me…cause Nikko had to go to work and I continued planting trees I put 15 trees in one week…
What a life changing
legacy he has given us.
With gratitude to Bill Mollison who worked to design and build a better world through positive change, and who inspried my PhD research in science and sustainability education. Thanks, Bill.
Cheryl Hamence
A great bloke.
Was an inspiration.
Imagine a life so powerfully lived that folks across the globe give thanks and grow. This is Bill Mollison’s life here with us.
We will be forever grateful for your vision and your unadulterated sharing Mr Mollison. Thank you for letting us all play a small part in carrying on your legacy.
brilliant man upon whose legacy no value could ever be enough
A tall tree has fallen but his legacy will live on..My condolences to the family.
Since 1981, when I attended a three-week course with Bill at the Tree People in Los Angeles,
I have walked the walk every day and in many many ways. I owe you for opening my eyes and showing me how to live a good life Bill…So sad and so grateful, Diana
Bill you are gone but your legacy will live forever.
thanks a lot bill. you have inspired an infinite amount of people of all ages. glad to have spent the same time on our pale blue dot with you.
Very sad but very proud to have know about him, following his great system all the way
We will keep it growing and growing, abundantly. I believe in my heart and soul that Bill gave us what was needed to save our world, working with nature instead of against it. He will be known as much more than the father of permaculture in the wide world. Thank you oh so much, Bill. More than words can express. I never had the pleasure of meeting you yet you planted a lasting seed in me and so many others. You are not really gone from us, because what you did and were. Absolutely charismatic and for planet and life. My thoughts and heart to your dear ones.
In absolute gratitude,
Diane XXX
Thank you for sharing your vision and inspiration Bill.
RIP He was a poineer in this world today’ he has left such a legacy for many to follow.
RIP Bill. The world will always remember what you have done.
Grow, grow!
A man of humanity. His seeds continue to grow
Shone a light for all to follow.
Beautiful man, a real leader
would it be best to bury Bill in zone 2 or zone 4?
Bill a great master for old and future permaculturalists!