Norman passed peacefully into eternal life on April 21, 2020, joining his beloved Emily, his wife of 66 years whom he dearly missed for the last six months, his son Gordon, parents and seven siblings. Norman is survived by his children Glenn (Nikki) Hagan, Gary Hagan, and Michael (Nancy) Hagan, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Norman is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Stanley and Dorothy Murphy of Northern Ireland. Norman was the seventh of eight children born to William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Hagan in Belfast, Northern Ireland. From a young age, Norman was full of charisma, curious to learn and driven to excel. He was proud of his effort and success in the classroom; running the 100/200 meters and high jumping on the track team; and playing for the Belfast Celtics Football Club (soccer) national team as a teenager. During World War II, as a young teenager, he worked in the Belfast shipyard. Later, he became a police officer for the Royal Ulster Constabulary where he enjoyed serving his community and keeping people safe. At sixteen, he met Emily, the love of his life. Shortly after marrying Emily at age 23, they left Northern Ireland for Toronto, where an older sibling sponsored his entry to Canada. He became a United States Citizen in 1963. Norman’s career path took his family to Toronto, Arkansas, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, and finally back to Michigan. Norman graduated Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1975, while working and supporting his family. He will be missed in countless ways, including his story- telling from his years in Ireland, his high expectations for himself and others, singing Irish songs to family visitors, as well as his quick wit and smile. Norman’s family is thankful for the compassionate care that he received at Azpira Place of Breton over the last few years. A private burial service will take place at Fairplains Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
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rest in peace Norm