Moses R. Nowland, III

April 27 , 1934 - August 14 , 2021

LIVE LIVE STREAM FUNERAL SERVICE

Henry Ford Fair Lane Restoration Fund

Moses R. Nowland, III

April 27 , 1934 - August 14 , 2021

VISITATIONS:

Thursday, August 19, 20211:00 ~ 7:00 PMMichigan Memorial Funeral Home

SERVICES:

Friday, August 20, 202110:00 AMMichigan Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

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Obituary

Moses R. Nowland III, 87, passed away, surrounded by his family, in his home on Saturday, August 14, 2021. He had fought a courageous 3 ½ battle with cancer. He was born April 27, 1934 in New Boston, MI to Moses R. and Dora (Rappley) Nowland II. Moses was a 1953 graduate of Huron High School where he served as his class president. He was drafted by the US Army and proudly served from 1957-1959. He married the former Marcia A. Cotillier in Monroe, MI. Their family soon grew as they had two daughters.He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Marcia; daughters, Deanna G. (Ernest) Katai and Suzanne M. (Dion) Deason; grandchildren, Austin (Kasey) Katai and Anastasia (Thomas) Kelley; a great granddaughter, Mabel Liberty Kelley, and twin granddaughters due this week; his brother, David (Kathy) Nowland and his sister, Patricia (Tom) Taylor. His parents preceded him in death. Mose had a distinguished 57-year career with Ford Motor Company as a Motorsports Engineer. He was known as the brains under the hood that kept Ford racing engines humming. “Mose was not just a friend, but someone who embodied the true spirit of our Ford racing program, he always met a challenge head on with a humble, can-do spirit that helped Ford win some of the greatest races in the world," said Edsel B. Ford II. Moses got his first job at Ford in 1955 working on engine development, he quickly became known as one of Ford’s go-to person for all things engine related in racing. It started in 1963 when he played a leading role in developing the “Crammer” engine that eventually carried Jim Clark to Ford’s first Indianapolis 500 victory in 1965, and continued the following year when he helped Shelby and Ford win the first of two straight in the famed 24 hours of Le Mans. As a memento of his experience, he couldn’t resist climbing on the roof and taking the French flag that had been hanging over the team’s pit box as a souvenir. It turned out to be the only race souvenir he ever accumulated. He brought the same flag out of storage in 2016, and returned it with Ford to the Le Mans, where the company once again captured victory, 50 years to the day of the first. It was Mose’s humbleness that endeared him to all who knew him. Whereas, he may have been viewed as a big deal by his contemporaries, he never viewed himself that way. He was so respectful that he often referred to people who would be considered friends in a formal sense. In 2005 He and Marcia were invited to the Waldorf-Astoria to attend the Nascar Series banquet. He assumed he was just part of the Ford contingent, but was surprised with the Spirit of Ford Award for his 50 years with the company. It is Ford’s highest honor in racing, and recognized his lifetime achievement and contributions to the industry on and off the track. He struggled to find the words to express his appreciation, but the tears in his eyes made it clear to everyone just how much it meant. Although he officially retired from Ford in 2012, he never stopped tinkering and making things with his hands. He immediately started volunteering at the Henry Ford Museum and the Ford Estate at Fair Lane in Dearborn, replicating parts and pieces that had long ago been discontinued. Mose dearly loved life, loved his family, and created a lasting legacy. He will be missed by his family, and all others who knew and loved him.

Condolences

Starting with the very first time I met Mose, and continuing with each each encounter thereafter, I always felt that I learned something from him. Yet, he would say that he learned from me - someone with a small fraction of his intrinsic knowledge and none of his vast experiences. He was the epitome of a gentleman. I truly wish I had met him much earlier in my life. Rest in peace my friend. The world is a better place because you were here. Gordon Michael
Mose was a good nieghbor, Ford Motor mentor, and Greenfield Village co-worker. We always enjoyed each others company and sharing stories. I can't wait to see him at work in heaven, ... I hear the 'pearly gates' are in need of minor repair. No job to small no mission to tough! SGM Tom & Bev Jones
My condolences to Marcia, Suzanne, Deanna and their extended family. I was blessed to have this incredible Man-Mose come into my life by a chance meeting at my automotive accessory design company. Mose was assigned to stand-in for a Ford styling designer-on vacation- for a 1971 Ford Mustang product engineering review. Within the first half hour of our meeting and discussion I believe there was a mutual chemistry. Besides his professionalism- Mose’s warmth and smile was captivating. A second design review brought us together again. Those two chance meeting events simply melted into a wonderful friendship that lasted to his passing. Mose was the most exceptional man I have ever known. Besides his Ford engine- engineering miracles he could build, fix,repair nearly anything and always offering help to any that needed it. A high note in our long friendship was the privilege to snow-ski with Mose and friends for 37 consecutive years, from Colorado to British Columbia. During those great years I learned of this Man’s depth of integrity, kindness, respect for others and commitment to his family values - and of course to his life with Ford Motor. An awesome MAN I will dearly miss! Aris Nichols Aris Nichols
If I could ever be like another human being it would be Mose . Dave & Linda Shoppe Ford Off Road Team 1983 -1991
Our condolences go out to Marcia, Deanna, Suzi, and family. If one looks in the dictionary and finds the word unique, it would go something like this: being only one of a kind. To my parents, my brother, and I, Mose was unique. Not only was he unique as a person, father, husband, but he was a great neighbor. When I called my parents that would often describe him as always working around the yard and house. He took great pride in the upkeep of the house. Always had a kind word to say when they would stop and talk to him. Growing up, I realized the uniqueness and great abilities that he had with cars. I recall seeing pictures of him in the basement with racing car drivers. I knew then that he had a special talent. My mom, MaryAnn Gregoski and my dad Ronald, will greatly miss one of the best neighbors on the street. I know we only talk to people as we sometimes pass by, but if you ever need anything, feel free to ask, we are always willing to help despite what you may need. Thoughts are with all of you. Condolences from Ron & MaryAnn Gregoski, David Gregoski, and Donna Tachoir (Gregoski) Donna Tachoir (Gregoski family)
It was my greatest pleasure and honor to be able to call Mose a good friend. We worked together at The Henry Ford Museum in the Antique Vehicle Garage. He was always a kind and caring person...that perfect country gentleman. Never a man to brag, I was amazed to learn five years after our first meeting about all his accomplishments, particularly those with Ford. It was always a great pleasure when Mose would join us for coffee and lunch and visit the shop. I will truly miss Mose. Bruce Phillips
Mose is one of the finest people I have ever met. When I was principal of Huron High School, Mose contacted me about donating some Native American artifacts recovered from his family's land in Huron Township to the school on the promise that we would both properly and respectfully display them. To this day a large rock used by local Hurons for grinding corn with a worn indentation from pestle grinding, and several projectile points (formally know as arrow heads) are encased in a glass display case made by the kids in wood shop. An explanation of the artifacts, which Mose himself wrote is proudly displayed above the case. An exceptional man with an exceptional legacy. Rod Hopper
Mose contributed significantly to many Ford Racing Programs , was always a gentleman and great ambassador for the company, and most importantly a friend. I along with with many others will miss him. My condolences to the family. John Valentine Retired Chief Engineer , Ford Racing John Valentine
May the memories of Mr.Nowland be joyful and eternal. Jacqueline Shannon