Bill "Guillermo" Mash 1960-2022

It is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences to the family and friends of storyteller, writer, homeless advocate and KZFR programmer Bill "Guillermo" Mash. His passing is a huge loss for his family, friends, everyone at the station and our community as a whole.

In the 7 years Mash was a KZFR volunteer programmer, he selflessly produced a variety of public affairs shows all focused on improving the lives of the less fortunate in our community. You can find much of his work on "Without A Roof", "Imagining Community", & "Youth For Justice" among others on this website or on one his YouTube channels.

"We are proud to have Guillermo be a part of the Zephyr. I would always love when the phone would ring and Guillermo would be on the other end saying 'Grant..I've got an idea'. Guillermo was a soldier for the down trodden, an ambitious spirit, and an energetic force for good. He was a righteous person and he will truly be missed at our station and in our community. " Grant C. Parks (KZFR General Manager)

Condolences from his fellow KZFR Community Radio volunteers and staff...

"Oh my God Guillermo, the world will just not be the same without your smiling face around town and doing what you do for the community and for radio station. Always having a big smile on your face and big hugs and love for everybody you meet, thank you for your friendship. You'll be sorely missed." Love, Phil Elkins (host of LA Sounds)

"You cannot replace the individual energy Bill put into local grassroots activism, you can only hope to emulate it. I will also miss his outright genuine excitement when entering a local rock 'n' roll show. What a spirit. Forever a beloved member of our KZFR family." - Jake Sprecher (cohost of The Fun House & It's Just Jazz)

“Bill was a stellar field reporter. Out on the streets with his iPad, microphone, and passion for making visible the plight of Chico’s unhoused, he was unmatched at bringing these voices to the KZFR airwaves. A huge loss for the station and community. Godspeed, Bill.” - Robert Jones, cohost of Peace & Social Justice

'I've been part of the kzfr family for about 5 years now. I met Guillermo in the first month of my programmer training, as a very nervous college student. Guillermo made me feel welcome, and gave me many helpful tips on live programming. Since that first meeting Guillermo has continued to make our KZFR family feel welcoming, friendly, and kind. His programming has helped connect our community and bring attention to very sensitive and necessary topics. I am going to miss running into you at farmers markets and seeing you around the station, Guillermo. Thank you for your friendship and dedication to supporting your fellow humans.' - Kevin Cook, host of Writing on Air

"Guillermo Mash was one of the most engaged and connected members of the Chico community. Proud to have served on the board of KZFR 90.1 FM with him, as well as join him on the air multiple times. Our last collaboration was the Carey Wilson celebration, a fond memory. I’ll miss his warm smile and big heart." - Rob Davidson, host of Sunday Papers

"He helped me so much in the studio! Rest in paradise Bill" - Sandra Morales, host of Peanut Butter Jelly Time

"Such a loss, what a great person. Always on the front line, miss ya brother." - Ray Laager, cohost of Playing Dead & Facets of Jazz

"Guillermo was an amazing force of creativity and compassion that touched so many in our little community. I first met him about 7 years ago during a KZFR pledge drive. He walked in the door, saw how crazy hard everyone was working and he immediately jumped into action to help. I'll never forget how surprised I was that a kind stranger (who simply introduced himself as Bill) was so willing to give so much of himself. I will miss you, Guillermo and I will try to be a better human." - Leah T. McKean, KZFR Volunteer Coordinator

IN THE MEDIA...

"He was a citizen journalist, community builder, arts/music supporter and tireless advocate for the unhoused. This 90 minute Tribute with a few of his friends (Tam Le, Tami Donnelson, Ashleigh Marie, Lisa Courier and Shirley McCoy) as well as his son Eric Mash included a few of his many With Out A Roof clips. He was much Appreciated and Loved and we will all miss him! He was also a friend and a curious and courageous presence across a broad swath of cultural landscapes. RIP." Peace & Social Justice Guillermo Tribute Show with Chris Nelson, listen here

"We pay tribute to Bill "Guillermo" Mash by exploring his notion  of "red letter Christianity." Faith & Common Ground with co-hosts Jesse Kearns & Amber St. Claire, listen here

"Mash -– who nicknamed himself “Guillermo” — was best known for his “Without a Roof” project, producing video and a radio show as he interviewed people living unhoused in Chico and published their stories. A short man with a big smile who carried belongings everywhere as he pedaled his bicycle through Bidwell Park, Mash was a fierce advocate for people without shelter and anyone facing dire straits." Bill Mash Always Had A Project Going by Natalie Hanson, read more at ChicoSol.org