Nantucket Cottage Hospital lost one of its champions earlier this year with the passing of William “Bill” Hays III.

Bill served on the NCH Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, was a founding member of the NCH Advisory Council and the Patient & Family Advisory Council. He was also as a strong advocate for the new hospital, serving as a neighborhood captain on the community outreach team until his death on February 25, 2015 at the age of 84. 

Nantucket Cottage Hospital benefited in many ways from Bill’s leadership, intelligence, and generosity over the years, and he will be greatly missed by the NCH family.

Bill and his wife Lucile moved to Nantucket from New York City in 1974. On the island, he was a partner of Holmes and Hays Law Offices for 25 years, and helped other island organizations including the Nantucket Yacht Club and the Sankaty Head Golf Club, where he served as secretary and legal counsel.

After joining the NCH Board of Trustees in the late 1970s, Bill served as its secretary for many years, as well as the chairman of its nominating committee. He remained a corporator even after he retired as a trustee in 1997.

Bill and Lucile have been consistent donors to the NCH Annual Fund, the Swing For NCH golf tournament, and the Boston Pops on Nantucket concert benefit. Over the past 40 years, the Hays family and its foundation have contributed a total of more than $750,000 to the hospital, an extraordinary track record of giving and generosity.

“Bill was a dedicated steward of this hospital whose legacy of generosity is remarkable, and something we will continue to celebrate,” said Dr. Margot Hartmann, President and CEO of NCH.

In 2001, Bill and Lucile were presented with the Alexander “Sandy” M. Craig, Jr., Leadership Award at the 90^th NCH Annual Meeting, a fitting tribute to two of the hospital’s most valued friends and benefactors.