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Myrtle "Mom" Coad – Inducted 1981

Mom Coad started model boating in 1943, and ran her first R/C boat in 1959. Her real value to NAMBA was the hundreds of unselfish hours spent in the creation, administration, and operation as the Executive Secretary to the organization from 1971 to 1988. During that time, she was truly the backbone and conscience of NAMBA. She is also a member of the Hall of Fame of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

Donald C. Coad - Inducted 1981

Don ran his first R/C boat on Lake Merritt in 1931. Radios were scratch built in those days. He helped start the Richmond Model Boat Club in the 1950's, and was President of WAM in 1959 and 1960. Don spent countless hours helping his wife, Mom Coad, with the administrative functions of NAMBA for over 17 years. Don was also responsible for the die work on the NAMBA pins, and manufactured and engraved the beautiful brass record shields for many years.

Gary L. Johnson – Inducted 1981

Gary was the President of seven different model boating clubs, starting in 1953. He was active in power, sail, and scale model boating, and was a Contest Director for over 100 model boating events. Gary served as NAMBA's first President from 1971 to 1973, and again from 1987 to 1989. He designed over 20 patches for various regattas, and his organizational leadership gave NAMBA its firm foundation from the beginning.

Al Metelak – Inducted 1981

Al started in model boating by operating a retrieve boat at a local contest in the late 1960's. He became President of the Racing Dolphins Model Boat Club, and was a NAMBA District Director from 1971 to 1973. He then served as NAMBA President from 1974 to 1980. One of Al's greatest values to NAMBA was his public relations activities at the many hobby trade shows throughout the country. He also represented NAMBA at FCC frequency meetings to make sure that model boating was not forgotten.

George Campbell – Inducted 1981

George got involved in organized model boating in 1967. He was one of the founding members and past officers of the Modeleers in the San Fernando Valley area of California. He held several speed records, and was the district A Mono champion in 1974. George designed model boats for several different manufacturers over the years. George was a true pioneer in hull design, and was always ready to help a fellow model boater.

NAMBA International continues to grow with the efforts of dedicated people who are willing to sacrifice their time, talent, and ideas for the promotion of model boating. Many people in NAMBA’s history have shown outstanding leadership, devotion, and expertise in keeping NAMBA the great organization that it is. The first nominees were inducted in 1981 at the Nationals in Amarillo, TX. Five inductees were honored with beautiful brass emblems mounted on a walnut and brass plaque. They also received a beautiful embroi-dered Hall of Fame jacket patches. It is hoped that this special honor and thank you will make all of the time spent worthwhile and encourage other members to strive and look forward to being honored in the Hall of Fame.

NAMBA International is proud to honor its members who serve and promote the hobby/sport of model boating. Included below are brief resumes of the current members of the Hall of Fame. Their contributions are varied, and encompass all areas of the hobby. They have helped make model boating and NAMBA what it is today.