Will Bakx 1954-2021

A true advocate for the earth and soil health, Will Bakx of Santa Rosa passed away November 6, 2021. He was 67 years old. During his gentle transition, he was surround by his loving son Xander Bakx, longtime partner Claire Victor, her daughter Ariana Victor and partner Ryan McBoyle and Xander’s mother Vicki Lasin, as well as beloved family and friends-including One Heart Choir member friends and Practitioners here at the Center. 

Growing up in the Netherlands, Will gained a deep understanding of resource management. To better support sustainable soil practices, Will earned his MS in soil science from U.C. Berkeley. Throughout his life, Will’s energy, resources and scientific acumen always focused on creating actionable, sustainable and regenerative solutions for agriculture and waste management. 

 

In 1985 he co-founded Sonoma Compost Company, with Alan Siegle, and in 1993 they established one of the first successful countywide yard waste composting programs in the state, widely recognized as a model composting facility.

A sought-after speaker, Will generously shared his knowledge about and passion for the soil through numerous presentations for organizations such as the California Association of Family Farmers, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Pacific Recycling Expo and Association of Bay Area Governments. 

Will helped develop the composting program at Santa Rosa Junior College, serving as adjunct faculty chair and teaching hands-on soil management. Will collaborated with local and state agencies on regulatory issues such as water and air quality and pesticide and disease control. He served as chair of the SRJC Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee and worked tirelessly on statewide issues affecting composters, such as clopyralid, Sudden Oak Death, compostable plastics and Zero Waste.

Will was co-founder of the California Organic Recycling Council, the California Compost Coalition and the California Compost Quality Council. He also worked with the U.S. Compost Council in developing and teaching compost operator training classes in California. 

It was Will’s holistic vision and steadfast determination that kept him on his mission for a better environment. Will was brilliant, and gifted with a warrior’s spirit and the strength to speak truth in the face of adversity. He blazed trails for us all, not for personal recognition, but to nurture the earth. His legacy lives on in everyone he inspired and educated.

Will was co-founder of the California Organic Recycling Council, the California Compost Coalition and the California Compost Quality Council. He also worked with the U.S. Compost Council in developing and teaching compost operator training classes in California.

Our Center remembers Will as a talented photographer, whose conversations were always rich, deep and wonderful. His sense of humor sparkled through his entire being. We were touched by his love and reverence for Mother Earth and all life. 

There will be a gathering in early spring 2022 for family, friends and colleagues to celebrate Will’s life. May his indefatigable spirit inspire in each of us a commitment to care for our earth