Nelson B. Noland ’48

Red — or Pinky, as he was known to many classmates — passed away peacefully May 16, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he was an “auto icon.” 

After serving in the Navy and graduating with high honors from the School of Public and International Affairs, the Richmond, Va., native followed his passion for cars to Detroit, where he worked for GM’s Cadillac division as a lathe operator. Before long he was shop foreman and then the youngest car salesman in the Cadillac factory store. In 1964 Red moved to wholesale operations in Dallas and 10 years later he purchased his own Cadillac dealership in Colorado Springs. 

Over the years he added Land Rover, Jaguar, Saab, Indian Motorcycles, and Infiniti franchise rights, as well as the Red Noland pre-owned and collision centers, to the operation, which grew from 20 employees to more than 150. 

Skiing and soaring were Red’s other passions. He came close to breaking distance records with his gliders and could be found on the slopes of Vail until his 90th birthday. A regular at Reunions — word is he walked the entire P-rade route at the 65th — Red interviewed prospective students for the Alumni Schools Committee and assisted with class Annual Giving efforts. 

Red was married to Eloise “Bunny” Day for 67 years. To Bunny, their children Tom, Betsy, and William; five grandchildren; and extended family, we offer heartfelt condolences. Red will be missed.