Director of the Radix Institute 1987- 1996

William Henry "Bill" Thrash passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at a Fort Worth hospital. He was diagnosed in late September with lung cancer. In his final weeks he exhibited courage, humor, compassion for others and mental acumen, all true marks of the man he was.

Celebration of life: In accordance with Bill's wishes, a memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Wiggins, Bill Hailey, Hap Klinefelter, Scott Thrash, Paul Rogers and Loyd Channon.

Bill was born Feb. 7, 1935, in Grandview. He graduated from Grandview High School and attended Texas Wesleyan College. Perpetually interested in learning, Bill received a B.A. in English from Wesleyan, a master's of theology from SMU and an M.A. in English from UNT.

Early in his career, he was an assistant minister at several Methodist churches. He later taught English and coached golf at R.L. Turner High School, taught English at Eastfield and Richland colleges and served as director of staff development for the DCCCD.

He studied and taught transactional analysis, Gestalt Therapy, eidetic image therapy and radix therapy. For many years, he treated clients through his private practices in Dallas and Fort Worth.

He also served as director of the Radix Institute, where he mentored and trained other professionals in the U.S., Australia and Europe. Deeply influenced by Silvan Tompkins work on affect theory, Bill envisioned using this work to improve his community.

Earlier this year he began "Project Fort Worth Talks," a program to create supportive environments encouraging young people to identify and express their emotions in a safe and productive way. Bill envisioned "Project Fort Worth Talks" as a prototype for similar programs to begin in other cities. Many of the people he began to train (teachers, church leaders, therapists) are behind his dream and are continuing to move forward with his vision.

During his career he wrote the book "Powers That Shape," filled with remarkable stories of lessons he learned in his life.

Golf was one of his intense passions. He scored a birdie on the last hole he played.

He was an inveterate storyteller, an avid jokester and an eternal optimist. His array of interests and abilities, including music, sports, nature, art, reading, writing, cooking and traveling, made him a true Renaissance man.

Bill's legacy will live on in the work he accomplished, as well as within family and friends.
Survivors: Sons, Scott Thrash and Paul Rogers; daughter, Stacy Thrash; daughter-in-law, Teri Thrash; grandchildren, Devan and Dillon Thrash and Brandon Rogers; sister, Lucinda Channon; brother-in-law, Loyd Channon; nephews, Brett and Colt Channon; great-nephew, Cole Channon; and his special friend, Carol Rogers.

In memory of Bill, donations may be made to Project Fort Worth Talks, 800 W. 5th St., Fort Worth 76102-3501.

Taken from obituary published in the Star-Telegram on 11/25/2007.