2022NAMBANatsProgram.indd

80 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, admin- istration, 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 Rich- mond 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.