Former UNMC employee Bill Wassom died on June 26 at the age of 65.
Wassom worked at UNMC for 29 years before retiring in 2013. He came to UNMC in 1984 to work in biomedical communications, and he finished his career at the university as a graphic designer in the print shop.
“Bill was such a great guy,” said Lori Fuller, manager of printing services. “He was the only one that could do medical illustrations, and he was highly sought after for his skills. A very talented man who loved to laugh and include all with his happy spirit — he will be greatly missed.”
Fuller recalled a time when all the staff members of the graphics department decided to enter a contest to win a classic car from a local radio station.
“I will never forget standing in line waiting for our shot at the car,” she said. “When Bill walked up and took his turn to start the engine and it started, we all went crazy! He won! That car became his passion and when he retired he immersed himself in a classic car club. He truly was living his dream.”
Memorials can be made to either Teen Challenge of the Midlands or Gears-Car-Club.
Bill's artistic abilities were amazing and his smile could light up a room. He was a very warm, friendly person and will be missed by many.
Bill was an excellent graphic designer. He always came through for us in Public Relations. He will be missed big-time.
So saddened to hear about Bill. He served UNMC well for a good number of years. He was the unseen worker behind many faculty slide presentation in the earlier years before desktop Power Point and later the Illustrator master. He always tried to be helpful and listened to requests.
I worked with Bill for 15 years in Biomedical Communications. He was an excellent artist and a wonderful person to work with. I am heart broken to hear this sad news. Linda Spellman
Bill was a treasure. He helped me with many illustrations for the projects I worked on. I hope his family finds comfort in knowing that he touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
I attended a presentation Bill once gave at MMI regarding the dos and don'ts of scientific posters and from that day forward until retirement, he was my go-to-guy. He had a contagious positive spirit and never made me feel silly, though my questions likely were. He was truly as "awesome" to interact with as I imagined a guy with a last name that rhymed with it would be!
Sorry to hear this. Bill was a big help on several projects over the years for the Cancer Center. Condolences to his family!