Dear WHA members,

It with a heavy heart that I regretfully write to inform you that Dr. Walter Nugent, former WHA President and western history scholar, died on September 8, 2021, in Seattle, Washington. He was 86 years old. You can access his obituary, carefully crafted by his family, through this link. They included a picture of Walter from January 2021 on page 5.  

Dr. Nugent was incredibly active in the WHA from the 1980s through the 2010s and served on numerous committees. He had positions on the WHQ Board of Editors, the WHA Council, the 2014 Program Committee, and the W. Turrentine Jackson, Billington, and Caughey Award Committees. Dr. Nugent served as the organization's President in 2005-2006.

Over the past few years the WHA community has lost a number of incredible scholars, treasured mentors, and wonderful friends. Delivering this news while reflecting on the contributions of our members (young and old) is probably the most difficult part of my position.  

Sincerely,

Elaine Nelson, WHA Executive Director