WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VERMONT-

Karl H. Nordman, 49, died Thursday afternoon July 8, 2010 surrounded by his family at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire

Karl was born April 28, 1961 in Rochester, New York, the son of Howard E. and Jacqueline T. (Dempsey) Nordman. He grew up and attended school in Rochester until the age of twelve when his family moved to Cranford, New Jersey where he attended high school. He left high school and moved to Pennsylvania to work for Penske Indy Racing Team where he was the Road Manager and Pit Crewman. He moved to Vermont to Join the Alsup Racing Team, this is where he met Linda Leonard. They were married February 9, 1982. He worked as supervisor HSI Incorporated and was a volunteer firefighter in Woodstock, Vermont. On December 30, 1985 Karl suffered a traumatic brain injury in a sledding accident, but this never held him back. He lived independently overcoming his challenges with his motto "If It's Going To Be, It's Up To ME" After a time of recuperation Karl volunteered at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.. He went on to work at the Car Store in Norwich, Wal-Mart in West Lebanon, and later at Dartmouth College in food service until fall of 2009 when he became too ill to work.

Karl was well known around the Upper Valley for his travels on his three wheel electric buggy. He enjoyed Auto Racing, his cat Otis, and bird Polly, but most of all being a father.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for all of the help over the years, The Hartford Fast Squad and Police, and everyone else who has helped throughout his journey especially Charles Chapman and Tony Gillam.

Karl is predeceased by his parents and a sister Linda Nordman.

Karl is survived by his former wife and life long companion Linda Nordman of White River Junction; two sons, Joshua Nordman and Jeremiah Nordman both of White River Junction, a brother Warren E. Nordman and his wife Kathie of Stafford, Virginia; a sister; Janet Nordman and Husband Garrett Phelan of Rochester, New York; his grandchildren (dogs) Duke and McLovin; nieces, nephews numerous cousins and many great friends.

In celebration of Karl's life take a moment to raise a glass and remember his incredible courage and the inspiration it gave to others with a disability. Condolences may be expressed on the Facebook Group "Friends of Karl Norman" Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction assisted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to: the White River Fire Fighters Association, ATTN: William Lewis, 812 VA Cutoff Road, White River Junction, VT 05001 or the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748