NATS has received a bequest of $73,494.64 from the William A. and Shirley T. Vessels Trust. Bill Vessels served as executive director of NATS from 1990 to 2005. The gift will become part of the NATS Endowment providing underwriting for NATS programming.

Both Bill and his wife Shirley died in 2021. (Read the NATS tribute to Bill.)

NATS Past President Linda Snyder (2016-2018) remembered that Vessels provided steady and wise guidance while he was in charge. Snyder got to know him when she took on the role of Great Lakes Region Governor in the late ʼ90s.

“I respected him so much, especially for his deep commitment, his positive encouragement and advice, and his excellent servant leadership during times of great change and important transitions in NATS,” Snyder said.

William and Shirley Vessels were charter members of the Encore! Society, which recognizes donors who have made a long-term commitment to the mission of NATS through estate gifts. For information about leaving a gift to NATS in your will or trust, contact Development Director Bob Bryan.