The Nash Williams Legacy

Nash Williams was instrumental in the September 30th 1969 formation of the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Being a lawyer by trade, he was very helpful in establishing the fledgling chapter and he authored its bylaws. He served as the secretary-treasurer from 1971-1972, and he continued in an active role in the chapter until his last year. He was also very active in all of our stream projects.

Nash was instrumental in establishing the Wisconsin State Council of Trout Unlimited. He was state treasurer in 1971 and served as state council chair from 1973 to 1975.

He was a National Director from 1974 until the Natural Resources Board was formed in the 1990’s. He served first as the Wisconsin Representative and then as a National Director at large.

During his tenure he served on the Research and Projects committee and he was chairman of that committee until 1982. This committee was responsible for allocating funds to deserving projects around the country for stream improvement and research. He was also instrumental in focusing the attention and efforts of Trout Unlimited on Acid Rain.

Besides his professional and volunteer accomplishments, Nash Williams was also very generous to his home chapter donating a significant part of his estate to seed our Endowment Fund.

We honor him every year at the pre-Icebreaker banquet named in his honor.