Memories of Bill Luzader from the Planetarium Society

It seemed only right to learn that Bill had died while many of us were at the 2014 International Planetarium Society meeting, as I had met him in Chicago, at the 1980 International Planetarium Society meeting.  Because he and I were both from Southern New England – not many of us were – we quickly became friends, even riding home together, as Bill somehow hadn’t made definite plans to return to Brockton, Mass., and I had driven.

It was also during the 1992 Planetarium Society that we all heard, for the first time, him talk of cats and a woman in the same sentence, a conversation that soon led to the fact that he had married the “cat lady.”  

Bill was probably the greatest example of the class clown, always with a retort leading to groans and eye rolls.  But, mention astronomy, and his demeanor immediately changed; Bill would become the consummate professional.  His knowledge of the subject was legendary, and his teaching skills were beyond compare, as evidenced by his many successful years at Brockton, Taunton and Plymouth  high schools, plus Stars Around New England (SANE), when he became a part of the traveling planetarium genre.

Bill also was a figure within the amateur circles of the area, especially as a member of Skyscrapers, Inc.  For many years, his trivia quiz was the highlight of AstroAssembly.

The stars have become dimmer in the New England science community, and our hearts and thoughts go out to all of Bill’s friends and family.   Rest in peace, Bill.

Francine Jackson

Below are some notes from the planetarium society mailing list.

Bill Luzader passed away unexpectedly at his home in Brockton, MA, on Monday, June 16, at the age of 65.  He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

 Sincerely, Steve Luzader

...(D)id you hear about Bill?  I can’t believe he passed away. – Kristin, Massachusetts

Bill Luzader was a gentleman in every sense of the word, a man with a sharp wit, an excellent sense of humor, and a colleague who was always ready to share.  – Sam, Florida

A bright light goes out in the MAPS [Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society] sky. Bill was always a spirited call to arms in the war on science ignorance. He will be greatly missed at our gatherings. – Alan, Maine

We will miss Bill and the passion and adventure he brought to our field. – Lee Ann, Virginia

I too mourn the passing of Bill. He and I enjoyed many comedic moments together. His quick wit always lifted the spirits of everyone he encountered. – Dave, Georgia

I will miss his energy and sense of humor! :-(  – Kevin, New Jersey

Did you know he was a very good pianist? – Ed, Massachusetts

He was like a machine gun of creativity.  He and I became great friends, and I always took great delight in greeting him with a hearty “Well, it’s Lou Zader!” – Stephen, New Jersey