Collection: Auction for Rodney Frisby

One of the greatest miners, Rodney Frisby, lost his life on 10/10/23 in a tragic ATV accident while out doing what he loved most.... mining. A lot of people knew OF him, from his materials Desert Bloom, Midori, Orion, Emerald City, Calypso, Regal Blue Gem Silica, confetti chrysocolla, Shattuckite, Agua Oro, Vista Grande, Andromeda, etc….but very few actually KNEW him. I am sooo grateful to have been in his circle of friends.

Rodney was the epitome and true definition of a miner, who lived a primitive simple life. He worked his ass off, brought out the best materials, yet remained incredibly humble. He hated having his photo taken, almost never posting on social media. He wasn’t a boaster, but was a million percent boast-worthy. He was a one of a kind human, unlike anyone I have ever met in my life, a real gem. In a desert full of miners with its fair share of drama and bad blood, you never heard anyone talking bad about Rodney. He was so easy going.

He wasn’t a man of many words, unless you were lucky enough to be there when he tapped a fruitful vein or seam. Chasing Variscite excited him. He had a nose for it and was so so good at it. He would plan out his day the night before, packing up water, fuel and food…prepared and eager for the sunrise. He was such a go-getter and his enthusiasm was contagious.

I am facilitating this fundraiser for his daughter Katelyn. Rodney was a single parent, and every dime he made, he made sure Katelyn had everything she needed. He experienced his fair share of loss in his lifetime. He lost his older brother Bo in a tragic accident in 1986. Then in 2021 both of Rodney’s parents, Howard and Donna, died within 2 mos of each other. Katelyn lives in Phoenix, AZ, now by herself. Rodney's older sister, Artie, and her family live in Idaho. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to lose both your grandparents (parents) and your father (brother) within a couple of years of each other.

The moment I heard Rodney had died, as his friend, I immediately went into how-could-I-help mode. By facilitating this auction, it is my hope that we can collectively help Katelyn financially. The donations that were so selflessly given to this cause, are a true testament to the impact Rodney had on the mining, lapidary and silversmithing communities. He will be missed, and he will always be the GOAT!

~Erika