Dr. William "Bill" Roley, Jr., a pioneering environmentalist, passionate teacher, and beloved father, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, surrounded by his children at his bedside. He was 77.

Born on May 13, 1947, Bill made Laguna Beach his lifelong home and spiritual anchor. A proud waterman, athlete, lifeguard, goofball, and deeply spiritual soul, he embodied an irrepressible optimism and zest for life that touched all who knew him. He lived with purpose, explored the world with curiosity, and poured himself fully into everything he believed in.

Dr. Roley was a world-renowned applied ecologist, educator, and sustainability consultant whose career spanned decades and continents. With degrees in Anthropology, Psychology, Biology, and Social Sciences from the University of California, Irvine (BA '69, PhD '76), he was as intellectually curious as he was practically grounded. A member of UCI's charter basketball team and rowing crew, Bill embraced both mental and physical vitality throughout his life.

He served as Director of the Permaculture Institute of Southern California, founder of Applied Ecological Systems, and co-founder of the Eos Institute and its journal Earthword. As an educator, he taught at California Polytechnic University, Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College and Soka University, among others, creating transformative environmental programs and inspiring generations of students. He integrated disciplines including anthropology, engineering, biology, and agriculture to address the challenges of sustainable living. He helped communities from Southern California to Mexico and Brazil to Belize design regenerative systems for water, food, energy, and shelter.

A charismatic speaker and tireless advocate for ecological restoration, Bill's projects were as diverse as the composting ordinance in Irvine, watershed planning in Laguna Beach and Aliso Viejo, vermicomposting in Temecula, and edible landscapes at orphanages in Tijuana. Wherever he worked, he brought healing; to land, to systems, to people. He practiced what he taught: growing food, composting, cooking, storytelling, and sharing wisdom beneath the California sun.

Above all, Bill was a father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his children Taya, Aja, Brooks, and Dylan; his granddaughter Azalea; and his sister Susie. His legacy of stewardship, education, and joyful curiosity lives on in the communities he nurtured and the family he cherished.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on April 13th from 3–7pm at the Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach (340 St Ann's drive, 92651). All are welcome to come and celebrate the remarkable life of a man who lived boldly, taught deeply, and gave generously.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to environmental causes that promote sustainability and regenerative design, in keeping with Bill's lifelong mission to nourish the planet.

"Everything is connected. Waste becomes food. Death becomes life. The cycle continues, and we are all part of it."

– Bill Roley

Rest easy, Dr. Bill - Big Guy, Rip, Dad, Brother, Gramps, Friend.

You taught us how to love the earth, and each other.