Windell Mitchell Receives Honorary Lifetime Membership Award; Brother Earl Mitchell Accepts On Behalf

NAFA’s Board of Trustees decided to posthumously recognize Windell Mitchell with one of the Association’s most prestigious honors — Lifetime Honorary Membership — during the Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 23.

After outgoing President Douglas Weichman, CAFM, thanked the members of the 2012 Board of Trustees, he said, "There’s one more person I’d like to thank who, unfortunately, cannot be with us today. He’s a long-time NAFA Member who passed away late last year. He was someone that was full of excitement and energy, and was dedicated to fleet and to NAFA. He worked hard, played hard, and was always the center of activity."

Weichman went on to recount Mitchell’s many career accomplishments, including being named Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year in 2008 by Government Fleet magazine and winning the Larry Goill Memorial Quality Fleet Management Idea Award twice (once in 1993 and again in 2001). "He had a kind and loving heart and was a great example of how volunteerism can be used to give back and help those in need," said Weichman. "He will be missed — and is already missed — but his accomplishments will live on."

Windell Mitchell passed away on October 23, 2012. As a valuable member of the NAFA family, news of his death saddened many. Not only was he a very active member of the Association, but he was also a friend and mentor to many.

Weichman then called Mitchell’s brother Earl to the stage. Earl, himself a Member of NAFA for over 40 years, proudly accepted the honor on behalf of his brother. Windell Mitchell was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 2010. He faced his illness with courage and the support of his strong faith in God. In 2011, his first book, Taking the Right Way, the Pathway to Excellence, was published. The book is a true and compelling testimony to a life well lived and a life dedicated to the service to others.

NAFA’s Lifetime Honorary Membership is bestowed upon those with exemplary and personal contributions to the Association. Previous Honorary Lifetime Membership Award winners include John McCorkhill, CFM/CAFM; George Argueta; Bob Berke; Al Cavalli; Keith McLaughlin; Pat O’Connor; Jon Crull, CAFM; and Jim Rallo.

A complete, detailed recap of the I&E will be available soon throughout NAFA publications and by email.

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