Norman Eugene Bagby died peacefully at Forks Community Hospital on April 18, 2017 in Forks, WA at the age of 81 surrounded by family.

Norm was born on March 4, 1936 in PeDee, OR to Reuben and Mabel Bagby, the family relocated to Wetmore, TX, then onto Queets, WA where they eventually settled in Beaver WA. He graduated from Forks High School in 1954 (then known as Quillayute Valley) where he excelled in football and basketball. During his career, he played in the state basketball tournament with his team and he was well known for his hook shot and “sharp” elbows. He was extremely dedicated to his sports and each day after school and practices he would walk, run or hitchhike from Forks, back to his home in Beaver.

Immediately after graduating from high school Norm joined the United States Army as a Military Police Officer, where he traveled to Africa. His most memorable time in the Army was when he served as part of the honor guard for the former Emperor of Ethiopia for excursions away from the Palace (Haile Selassie). He would often talk about being in Egypt when he had the opportunity to ride camels and even tour inside of the Pyramids, he would always have the biggest smile on his face while reminiscing about these moments in his life. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1958.

After returning from his time in the military, Norm came back to Forks and met Janice James where they were married March 6, 1959. Over the next four years, the couple welcomed three children Tami, Ronnie, and Teri into their home. His children remember him as a soft-spoken, driven, hard-working father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams.

In 1968 Norm, Jan and their kids moved to the Town Motel where they lived for 43 years. Norm wore many hats during this time, both literally and figuratively, including working at the Texaco Gas Station and Chevron, he also cut shake bolts and worked at Rayonier as a Timberman where he was in charge of replanting trees and slash burning. Even though Norm was busy with his many different jobs he made sure to keep involved in the lives of his family, whether it be taking his wife dancing, playing ball with the kids, coaching various sports and taking his son hunting in Eastern Washington. He and Claude Clark even made the time to start up the Little League Football program (some may remember the Packers and Giants) around 1968. Later on he was instrumental in helping to develop the baseball fields at Tillicum Park and he served on the Parks and Recreation board. In their 58 years of marriage Norm and Jan were blessed with twelve grandchildren Corey, Travis (Shawna), April, Brandon, Ashley (Alex), Ronnie (Monica), Kelly, Dustin (Gwen), Tabetha, Michael, Cameron (Josh), Jason and four great-grandchildren Chloe, Tannon, Mia, Taydem.

In his retired years, Norm developed a passion for crafting and gardening. He loved being in his workshop building and painting various creations for their home and gardens and checking items off of his “Honey-Do Lists”. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent HOURS walking the beaches of Whidbey Island and his favorite local fishing holes, much like he loved to walk the beaches of Hawaii, especially on their beloved

island of Kauai. Together Norm and Jan traveled to Europe and Mexico but they also enjoyed hitting the road in their motorhome and camping with their family.

Norm is survived by his wife, Janice Bagby; Children, Tami Bagby Shaner (Don) Forks, Ron Bagby (Marie) Coupeville, Teri Bagby Gaydeski, Forks; Siblings, Curt Bagby (Sybil) Plymouth CA, Beverly Loushin (Fred) Forks; his twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Rueben Bagby and Mabel Cokenour Bagby Klahn (Carl) and brother Marvin Bagby (Norma).

A Celebration of Norm’s life is planned for Saturday, April 22, 2017, at his home from 1 – 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Norm’s life. The family would like to thank the staff at Forks Community Hospital for taking such great care of our precious Papa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the West End Youth League at PO Box 2449 Forks, WA 98331.