"When you give, you get back more than you give"
After a courageous battle with Cancer, with friends and family by his side, John Frederick Little (Jack) passed away peacefully at home in Edmonton on February 27, 2024 at the age of 83.
Left to miss his bright smile, unconditional support and love are his wife of 54 years Sylvia, and daughter Kara Little. Jack is known for his contributions to the community, making people feel welcome immediately - often by a big smile, and if you're lucky a playful tease. Not only did he participate in dozens of volunteer organizations, but also rallied support to raise money and assistance for people in his orbit in times of need.
Jack was born April 1, 1940 on the kitchen table in the house on Prospect Street in Newmarket, Ontario to parents Leonard and Nellie and a newly no-longer only child, 9 year old sister Mary-Lou.
In 1958, Jack joined the Air Force, where he learned about girls and beer. He completed his service in Edmonton after 5 years. Jack graduated from NAIT in the Centennial Year 1967, where he immediately was employed by Sunwapta Broadcasting (CFRN TV). He spent 28 years there, and eventually became the Station Manager. Jack then moved to the Edmonton Heritage Festival as its Executive Director, and finally retired at age 75.
Jack is a firm believer in giving back to his community. His long association with Edmonton's Food Bank is well known. It was his fondest not for profit and served 23 years on the board with 6 as chair. Jack has also served on the board of the Greater Edmonton Foundation (8 years), he has been a member of the board of the Better Business Bureau and eventually became its president. He also spent volunteer time on the Edmonton Community Loan Fund, NAIT advisory committee, was the President of the Western Association of Broadcasters and past president of the Gyro Club of Edmonton. His philosophy is when you give, you get back more than you give. Sylvia has been the quiet foundation for the family to make all of this possible.
Jack and Sylvia enjoyed travel, and particularly enjoyed Maui, many summers they visited the Okanagan, and explored several different countries after being exposed to many cultures during Jack's work with the Heritage Festival.Jack loved horse racing, but eventually it bit him in the butt, although he did own many race horses over the years. Jack was very proud of his daughter's accomplishments and strength of character. He coached Kara's soccer team for a few years, taught her how to ride a bike and how to spit in the creek to attract fish. Kara may have been his only child, but Jack was a mentor figure for many friends' children, nieces, nephews, and new Canadians.
Jack was a loving and teasing husband to his wife Sylvia, and an enthusiastic supporter and advice giver to daughter Kara Little (Shawn). Uncle to Dirk - son of Jack's late sister Mary Lou, (Dorothy) Rigby, nieces Jennifer and Christine. Uncle to Wayne (Kara) Paulsen, Christine (Tim) Ericksen, great nieces Alora (Lee) Paulsen Mulvey, Danielle (Spencer) Nesselbeck, great nephew Marshall Ericksen, and great-grand niece Georgia Paulsen Mulvey.
A celebration of life service will be held at Dayspring Presbyterian Church at 11445 40 Ave NW Edmonton, at 1:30pm Saturday March 23, 2024 followed by a casual reception.
In lieu of flowers, Jack wishes for those who would like to make a memorial tribute do so to Edmonton's Food Bank (https://www.edmontonsfoodbank.com/donate-now/) , or Dayspring Presbyterian Church (https://dayspringchurch.ca/giving/donate/).
Arrangements entrusted to Simply Cremations & Funeral Services