Nagim Louis “Big Moose” Moosa attained his self-described zenith at the age of 96 years young when he passed away peacefully during his afternoon rest at St. Margaret’s Daughter’s Home on July 29, 2017. Big Moose is preceded in death by his parents Nagim Moosa, Sr. and Margaret Habib Moosa as well as all 11 of his siblings. Big Moose developed his affinity for the New Orleans Fairgrounds Horse Racetrack at the young age of 13 when he served as a "newsie," selling the evening edition of the paper outside the race track. Big Moose later developed into a self-proclaimed professional handicapper and local fixture at the Fair Grounds for almost 80 years. Big Moose was a proud graduate of Warren Easton High School where he finished his studies a year early. Big Moose commenced a career in retail sales until December 8, 1941, when he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 21 after the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor. Big Moose was stationed in the Pacific Theater and served honorably. His ship, the Topeka, was the first to sail and bombard the mainland of Japan prior to surrender. Big Moose returned to civilian life in 1945 and drove a United Cab for over 40 years; he considered himself the transportation executive of New Orleans. Big Moose was a devoted lifelong caretaker for two of his disabled brothers and remained a self-imposed confirmed bachelor until his death to allow all ladies the opportunity of his flirtatious demeanor. Big Moose was a celebrator and admirer of his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who notably include Lucy, Paul, Lauren, and Lucy Alana Gnazzo; Paul and Peggy Rosefeldt; Greer, John, Margaret Mary, Emma, and Oliver Grimsley; Luretta Bybee; Mark and Ella Blake Cheramie; Laura and Mike Carter; and Mike, Vicki, Tom, Gina, John and Joyce Raudabaugh. Until the time of his passing, Big Moose enjoyed weekly outings to his beloved horse races, daily consumption of chocolates, and constant loving contact with all his remaining family. Despite surviving harrowing attacks in World War II and enduring four days at the Convention Center of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, Big Moose, a man of faith, remained the eternal optimist as he espoused a daily gratitude for his longevity and the persistent belief that only the best days are ahead for all of us. Big Moose’s life will be exalted during a visitation at JACOB SCHOEN & SON, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Thursday August 3rd from 9:00am -11:00am, with eulogy reflection and a short prayer service at 11:00am, private burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, and in Big Moose’s honor, it is requested that donations be made to St. Margaret’s Daughter’s Home at 3525 Bienville Street NOLA 70119 where an amazingly dedicated professional staff enriched Big Moose’s later life as well as so many other residents' lives with dignity and joy.

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