DENMARK — Andrew M. Norkin, 57, son of the late Paul J. Norkin and Florence K. Norkin, brother of the late Peter Norkin, all of Connecticut, was born in 1963 and resided for the last 22 years in Denmark. He died on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

He is survived by his lovely caring wife, Joy; his wonderful children, and his dear sister, Mary Kate. More than anything in his life is how much he enjoyed his family. Coming home to see his wife and children: Irina, Jonah, Noelle and dear stepdaughters Mae and Sophia meant the most to him. Enjoying the outdoors with his family whether it was the ocean, mountain trails, paddling the ponds and rivers, and attending their sporting events, it was all awesome. Topping it off, the smell of the ice at Ham Arena was one of his treasured memories with his youngest children.

Andrew graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1981, attended Saint Bonaventure University and Clarkson University before earning a degree at Central Connecticut State University. His years playing hockey at Wethersfield High and Saint Bonaventure University were pure happiness.

Andrew had a passion for the outdoors. After his graduation from college, he left to volunteer for the National Parks Service in Katmai National Park Alaska. While in Alaska, he learned the mushing life, running in local and distance races, but loved training the dogs and spending time with them the most. He also learned from a number of wonderful friends trapping, hunting and so much more. Andrew took a job with the U.S. Forest Service in the Chugach National Forest, where he was involved in recreation management and building and maintaining recreational facilities. 

Back in the lower 48, Andrew was fortunate to find a job with the Appalachian Mountain Club as the Director of the Trails, where he’s been with them for the past 21-plus years. He’s always enjoyed working with the wonderful people in the AMC. He felt it was a gift to work as an ambassador for the outdoors alongside such passionate people. 

Andrew was a man of service. He taught middle school Nordic skiing and volunteered for the local after school alpine ski program. As a parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, he found peace with God and friends. 

While I sit here at 57 writing this, I feel what is important in this life is family and faith and spending time with those who you love surrounded by God’s great outdoors are what count. 

Donations should be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital (please don’t put it off) as I can’t imagine children battling cancer as I have. (Written by Andrew Norkin.)