Lifelong Grays Harbor resident and local Hot Rodding Icon Norman Leroy Callaghan Sr., 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Montesano on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, with his family by his side. Norman was born Feb. 23, 1937, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Daniel and Emma (Baxter) Callaghan.

He was raised in the North End of Hoquiam and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1955. Norm had worked for Blagans Saw Mill, Marshall Wells Shake Mill, Stritmatter’s Fish Processing Plant in Hoquiam and retired from Posey Manufacturing after 30 years.

It is unknown just how many young Hot Rod enthusiasts Norm influenced with his cars and his fun loving, carefree personality and all the “BS” talk over the years! He was truly loved by everyone he ever met.

He was a founding member and active Board Member of the Pushrods of Hoquiam. In 1953 Norm, his two brothers and 8 of their closest friends came up with the idea to start the Push Rods Car Club while roller skating at the Harborena. The Push Rods club logo was fashioned after Dan Callaghan Jr’s Model “A” Ford and Norman drew the guy pushing the car. Norman enjoyed working on cars his entire life and he gained National notoriety when his 1932 Ford “5 window“ coupe was featured in “Hot Rod” Magazine in July 1958. Throughout his life Norm built and owned beautiful cars including several Model T’s, Model A’s, ’32 Fords and ’49-’50 Oldsmobiles. Norm’s passion for detail earned him many trophies for his cars including the Portland Roadster Show.

Norm was an avid collector of memorabilia and anyone who visited his shop was in awe of his treasures. An excellent craftsman and handyman Norm enjoyed tinkering on projects and building unique bird houses. He loved feeding his flock of Crows and was convinced they would say “Hello”.

On Sept. 25, 1976, Norm married “the love of his life” Carol Ann Fritts. She survives him at the family home.

In addition to his wife Carol, he is also survived by three sons Norman LeRoy Callaghan Jr., John D. Cox and Mark A. Cox; his daughter Kelley LeAnn Callaghan; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Daniel C. Callaghan Jr. and Arie M. Callaghan Sr. and sister Lucille Callaghan-Blake.

Memorials are suggested to the Pushrods of Hoquiam at P.O. Box 572 Hoquiam, WA 98550.

A notification will be published for his Celebration of Life to be held in the spring.

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Harrison Family Mortuary is honored to assist the family.