Walter J. Musial

Walter J. Musial Walter J. Musial was a self-made man who mastered enough hobbies in his life for three people. Born on December 31, 1915, he grew up on Detroit's near west side after his parents separated. He was raised by a single mother who owned and operated a series of candy stores along Michigan Avenue in the 1920's and 1930's. At age 11, he started building model cars, trains, planes and boats in an era before ready-to-assemble kits. His skill at shaping exact miniatures would later land him a career at Ford Motor Company. During the Depression, he held several jobs, from driver a bakery truck, to punch press operator to an electrician at the Whittier Hotel on the Detroit River. When his wife Mary showed photographs of his models to her boss at Ford, Walter was told to bring in some of his models. He did - and was hired on the spot. During his 28 years at Ford, he worked in Styling and Design Center as an experimental parts fabricator, turning blueprints into the prototype "jewelry" for cars. These would provide the molds to make millions of auto badges and nameplates, including versions of the iconic Mustang logo. He also worked on many special projects for the company's concept cars and other special assignments. One of his final jobs was helping build a large scale model of Detroit's famed Renaissance Center. Living in Dearborn at the time, he became a skilled photographer, earning blue ribbons for his work. He also became an avid model railroader, taking over half the basement with his "Dusty Central" layout, while squeezing in time to become a well-regarded chess player. His work with photography led him to create the family's annual Christmas cards, which he produced for almost 20 years. In addition, he also built several pieces of fine furniture for the house from a basement workshop crammed with tools of every kind. Two years after the death of his wife, he remarried and moved the family to Livonia. There, with more space, he developed new hobbies, including magic and painting. Honing a new craft, he was soon performing in metro Detroit as "Mr. Magic," complete with a top hat and a white rabbit. He also served as president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 22 (Detroit chapter). Convalescing at home after surgery in 1971, he took up oil painting and within a few years, was traveling the art fair circuit, selling his "Moods of Michigan" series of realistic landscapes and building and copies of his pen-and-ink of the same subjects. In 1980, six years after an early retirement from Ford, he moved to Florida with his wife Julie, where he continued painting and another hobby he'd picked up building model sailing ships. When the model kits failed to provide complete sail rigging, he researched the ship's plans to accurately reproduce the correct details. To stay busy, he continued three other hobbies-locksmithing, hand-set type printing and ballroom dancing, especially the tango. In 2005, he returned to Michigan to be closer to family. A resident of ShorePointe Village in St. Clair Shores for the past three years, he died on October 24, 2008 at the age of 92. Throughout his life, he inspired others and, though coming from modest means, always strove to improve himself and be a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Patricia Austin (Gil Clayton); his son Robert and wife Anne and his son Gregg and wife Arrahawona. Also by his two grandchildren Eric Kropf and wife Deanna, and Kathleen Cain and husband Robert and by two great-grandchildren. By Robert Musial October 25, 2008 Memorial contributions may be made to Fort Street Presbyterian Open Door, 631 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236