A good neighbor, A good friend

Korey and I were saddened to hear Friday that after a long fight with terminal cancer, our neighbor Bill passed away 2:30AM Friday. His wife Jacki shared with me Sat. that he was surrounded by over 25 friends. I first met Bill when I moved to AZ after Boston. He knocked on the door and I was groggy and in my PJs (it was still the days when unemployment was blissful). He introduced himself and said, "Hey, I got some extra scorpion spray- would you like me to spray the rest of it on your place?" I laughed and said YES ASAP!!:) Since then it was a relationship built by quick exchanges over the fence or getting out of the car. He was always quick with a joke and loved to give Korey a hard time. Korey has been Bill and Jacki's neighbor for 10 years and they were close. In fact, it was Bill's leaky plumbing that brought Korey and I together. His pipe busted and flooded Korey's driveway, causing Paul to help Korey with the repair and then invite Korey back to the house for dinner (and I was at Kate and Paul's house for Spring Break). Bill helped me with gardening tips and planting my first cactus. For the past couple of months, when it got really bad, Korey and I helped take the trash out and water their plants. We will continue to do so for Jacki. This weekend she had a drum circle in his honor and used sage to bless the house. Everyday Bill made sure to smile and stay positive. It was inspiring. There will be a void in our lives and in the neighborhood that is truly irreplaceable.

 Geist, Bill
Bill Geist, 60, died peacefully on April 12, 2012 at his home in Tempe, Arizona with family and friends by his side. He left behind his loving wife and partner, Jacki Jones and his loving daughter, Kate Stevens. His immediate family living in Kansas includes his mother, Phyllis Rowland; and siblings: Gina Ramsey, Shane Geist, and Susan Arnold. He now joins his sister Robin Geist-Wick and his father, Gene Geist. Bill was born on January 7th, 1952 in Scott City, Kansas. He graduated from Scott Community High School and went on to be an avid Wildcats fan, as a Bachelor of Sociology graduate from Kansas State University (1975). He moved to Arizona after graduation and did numerous jobs in social services working with troubled children, most notably at Big Brothers of Arizona. He also found a calling as a recruiter, where he was recognized with dozens of awards. Bill found joy in this occupation as he could find amazing people to work in the healthcare and automotive industries, in hopes that it would lead to earth-friendly and humanitarian benefits. We cannot talk about Bill without mentioning his devotion to recovery and his support network. His life truly began when he found recovery. Bill always had a hug for the newcomer, words for those who were in need, a listening ear, and a welcoming spirit. He held several service positions over his 18 years of clean time and was a source of strength and hope to many. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, he continued serving by volunteering for cancer treatments at both early and late stages of research. The service will be on Saturday, April 21st, at 1 - 5 p.m., at Phoenix First Congregational United Church, 1407 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. In lieu of flowers: practice the seventh tradition, send a newcomer to ARCNA, donate to a charity benefiting children, or contribute to the charity of your choice . Bill would want to remind you that "Live is Good."