Louis Rhodes, former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, died Oct. 14 at age 59, three years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Rhodes served as executive director of the organization in Arizona from 1979 to 1996.
“We are deeply saddened by Louis Rhodes’ death,” said Robert Meitz, president of ACLU of Arizona Board of Directors. “Louis made an incalculable contribution to educating the public about civil liberties.”
As the organization’s longest-serving executive director in Arizona, Rhodes fought a variety of measures he deemed infringements upon civil liberties, including the death penalty, photo radar, school dress codes and the banning of an underground student newspaper at the University of Arizona.
Alessandra Soler Meetze, the organization’s current executive director, cited Rhodes’ objections to Arizona State University’s display of a crucifix atop Danforth Chapel, and his dedication to prisoners’ rights as examples of his commitment to protecting civil liberties.
Eleanor Eisenberg, former executive director of the organization, called Rhodes “professional” and a “gentleman.”
“I think he did an incredible job helping the organization to grow and to speak on all the important issues of the day,” said Eisenberg. “He was always incredibly well-informed.”
“He did it with humor, and he did a good job,” she added.
Rhodes’ wife of 28 years, Barbara, said that “even people who disagreed with his views completely liked and respected him.”
Eisenberg agreed, saying, “There is a way to talk to people that allows you to differ and to put out a viewpoint and allow them to differ with you, but in a gentlemanly and well-reasoned manner, and I think he achieved that.”
Rhodes’ father and grandparents had also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife, and brother, Frank Rhodes of Scottsdale and twin brothers in Oklahoma.
Memorial services will be held Oct. 20, at the Whitney Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road.