Kenneth Norman

KENNETH M. NORMAN

Age 88, of Simi Valley, California, peacefully ended his life journey on June 19th, 2013, at his home.

Born a second generation Swedish American, Ken was raised on a farm in Tustin, Michigan, forged with the value of hard work, innovation, and perseverance. Learning from experimentation, Ken's motto was "nothing is impossible, only the impossible takes a little bit longer".

After moving to Southern California in 1953, Ken worked in the aerospace industry as an accomplished machinist for North American Rockwell. Ken's craftsmanship was instrumental in several of the components of the Apollo spacecraft and later created precision parts for the space shuttles and the B-1 bomber. After retiring from Rockwell, Ken enjoyed his love of music; collecting, fixing, and playing accordions and rare pianos. A self taught piano tuner, Ken enjoyed inventing tools to recreate a part. An accomplished fix-it guy, Ken was happiest when there was a challenge. Incredibly, Ken could reproduce anything in metal, wood or ivory. His proudest creation, however, was his four children. With this legacy he leaves Ronald Norman of Salt Lake City, Utah, Karen White and her husband Tom of Orange, California, Marilyn Stoudt and her husband Steve of Reseda, California, and Rex Norman and wife Cheri Maw of Windham, New Hampshire. Ken also leaves his wife, Jemima; his grandchildren, Joneva Beliveau, Tom Olroyd, Dawnette Sitler, Tiffany Houck, Alexis Norman, Coral Stoudt, Kristina, Alex and Daria Norman; as well as eight great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter. Ken is survived by his sister, Donna Gusha of Cadillac, Michigan; and brother, Eldon Norman of Grayling, Michigan.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., July 12, 2013, Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. In lieu of flowers, donation in his memory may be made to a church or charity of your choice.