NAMBA March 2021 Web

PROPWASH March 2021 7 When District 9 held the NAMBA Nationals, Renee coordinated all the sponsorship, helped to organize the race days at the judges stands, and jumped in wherever needed. Renee also helped at Nationals events across all NAMBA by stepping up were ever she could, be it the judges stand, scoring, or helping with sponsorships. No matter what the need she would always be there to help. To this day her run book for putting on a Nationals and sponsorship letter is still used a basis for doing a National event. Renee made friends across the whole organization. She was given an Angel pin many times by Alan Hobbs for her efforts in recognition of all these ways she contributed. She always cherished those pins. When Renee was not helping or involved in the racing part of our events you could find her taking pictures of us all enjoying the fun and comradery. She was all there in support of us over the years. She left her mark on us all. Although gone, she will never be forgotten. Renee Cindy Piazza 10/20/1963 – 9/26/2020 NAMBA #1650. Diane Wilson got her start in model boating in 1979 supporting her husband and, ultimately after they moved to Fremont, the Model Mariners club. It was not until 2011, though, that Diane became an official member of NAMBA to take on responsibilities within District 9 which she carried through to her passing. In 2016 she lost her husband and long- time model boater Jim Wilson, but without hesitation Diane continued selflessly giving her time toward making sure that the work behind the scenes necessary to provide a smooth racing experience for our members and contest directors was completed. Like Renee, Diane was a solid foundation behind the scenes who had never entered competition until running our Arrive & Drive class in 2018 at the Jim Wilson Memorial Toys for Tots race named for her late husband. I know everybody there was so excited to see her finally get on the other side of the entry form and on a judge’s sheet she likely made. She wrapped up that day finishing the most laps and taking the win for that first and only competition. Not too long after that her diagnosis became known and Diane started planning. She made sure all that knowledge and things she did for Model Mariners and District 9 had somebody shadowing her that will be ready to take over. I knew Diane for just over six years and had the benefit of working side by side with her for five of those years. Not only was her tireless dedication to the District a huge help to me, but the friendship we created over that time has created a lasting memory. God bless you Diane Wilson 1/27/1947 – 10/7/2020 NAMBA #5652. Obviously the 2020 racing season was put on hold before it ever started. Our first championship race was scheduled for March 21-22, but on March 16th Counties in the heart of our district issued a shelter in place order only to be followed by a statewide order on March 19th. Not long after that it became very clear that racing in our district was not going to be realistic and we should prioritize and respect the health, safety, and security of our District racing family, their families, those within their sphere of sheltering in place, and anybody else they may encounter. (Continued on page 8)