Obituary for Gale "Norm" Norman McCafferty
Gale “Norm” Norman McCafferty
Gale was born in Hood River in 1950 to Edith Williams and Norman McCafferty. Growing up the family didn’t have much, Gale and his brother Daren filled the time with fixing up old cars and motorcycles trying to stay out of trouble. He ended up having a knack for understanding how machines worked and how he could get them to run. After graduating from Wy’East high school in 1968, Gale enlisted with the United States Navy as a mechanic and served on the USS Enterprise. Although serving in the Vietnam War was not an easy task, he always kept fond memories of his brothers that he served with and was a very proud American until he died.
After his honorable discharge, Norm came back to the upper valley to be with his family. Linda and Gale raised three boys; Jim, John and Jerimiah as well as anyone who needed a place to stay. He worked at the Mt. Hood wrecking yard and then for G&R Trucking for many years. When people failed at fixing things, they turned to Gale. He was an expert at making machines run and keeping trucks on the road.
Eventually he was convinced go to work at Hanel Lumber Company where he made lifelong friendships and fond memories. After the mill sold, Gale went North to Alaska and worked with the big timber. After six years of cold wet days, he decided to come home again and work for Hanel Development until his retirement.
Gale loved life and the outdoors; he looked forward to two seasons. In the fall, hunting season was a time to spend with his closest friends and family. In the spring, raising pigs and tending his garden. Anyone who knew him would know that you could spend endless hours burning wood and shooting the breeze around the fire. We will miss Gale’s colorful language and ability to call it like it is.
Living his life to the fullest, Gale’s tired body gave out June 6, 2019 at his home surrounded by loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkdale Fire Department in memory of Norm.
Friends are encouraged to join family in celebrating his life with a potluck lunch Saturday, June 22nd at Toll Bridge Park from 12noon to 4pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Gale was born in Hood River in 1950 to Edith Williams and Norman McCafferty. Growing up the family didn’t have much, Gale and his brother Daren filled the time with fixing up old cars and motorcycles trying to stay out of trouble. He ended up having a knack for understanding how machines worked and how he could get them to run. After graduating from Wy’East high school in 1968, Gale enlisted with the United States Navy as a mechanic and served on the USS Enterprise. Although serving in the Vietnam War was not an easy task, he always kept fond memories of his brothers that he served with and was a very proud American until he died.
After his honorable discharge, Norm came back to the upper valley to be with his family. Linda and Gale raised three boys; Jim, John and Jerimiah as well as anyone who needed a place to stay. He worked at the Mt. Hood wrecking yard and then for G&R Trucking for many years. When people failed at fixing things, they turned to Gale. He was an expert at making machines run and keeping trucks on the road.
Eventually he was convinced go to work at Hanel Lumber Company where he made lifelong friendships and fond memories. After the mill sold, Gale went North to Alaska and worked with the big timber. After six years of cold wet days, he decided to come home again and work for Hanel Development until his retirement.
Gale loved life and the outdoors; he looked forward to two seasons. In the fall, hunting season was a time to spend with his closest friends and family. In the spring, raising pigs and tending his garden. Anyone who knew him would know that you could spend endless hours burning wood and shooting the breeze around the fire. We will miss Gale’s colorful language and ability to call it like it is.
Living his life to the fullest, Gale’s tired body gave out June 6, 2019 at his home surrounded by loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkdale Fire Department in memory of Norm.
Friends are encouraged to join family in celebrating his life with a potluck lunch Saturday, June 22nd at Toll Bridge Park from 12noon to 4pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.