Dana Allen "Al" Vannorsdel

Al Vannorsdel, 73 of Fort Collins, formerly of Boise, ID died October 17th at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab in Fort Collins. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday at Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Dr., Suite E, Fort Collins. Cremation is planned and a memorial horse race, in Al's honor, will be held next spring in Boise.

Dana Allen Vannorsdel was born July 22, 1939 in Fort Collins to Dana and Vera Vannorsdel. He received a wrestling scholarship to CSU, but decided to go to work building homes in Fort Collins in the late 1950's and early 1960's instead. In 1974, Al married Nancy Gammon and they have been best friends ever since. They moved to Boise, Idaho and started a horse ranch where he found his passion; animals, but especially horses.

When he turned 50, Al decided to attend Colorado Mountain College where he received a degree in Veterinarian Technology. A very proud accomplishment of his.

Al was an accomplished horseman who raised and trained thoroughbred and quarter horses. The last race that Al entered was the Hasta la Vista Handicap in Phoenix, AZ, and it was the biggest race of his career. He entered it with his all time favorite thoroughbred "Mighty Bodacious" and won setting the track record which stands today. This champion, "Mighty Bodacious", his favorite and most successful thoroughbred, died this year as well.

About four years ago, Al had an accident with one of his horses falling on him. His health hasn't been good ever since forcing his move into assisted living and full-time nursing care.

Al is survived by his sisters, Betty Hutcheson and Joanie Foreman, both of Fort Collins; his former wife and love of his life, Nancy Vannorsdel of Boise; and nieces and nephews, Diana, Marty, Denise and Robert.

Please make any memorial donations, in lieu of flowers to the Larimer County Humane Society, 6317 Kyle Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80525.