He said he would find a little cabin in the woods, a snowy clearing where the forest would welcome him home. John George Little passed away peacefully early December 14, 2024, at the Wellington Hospice in Guelph, at the age of 78. John was, above all else, a devoted father whose love for his family was boundless and unwavering. To his four sons—Micah (Fang), Kyle (Pauline), Eric (Moein), and Alex (Anthea) — he was a constant source of wisdom, strength, and guidance. He delighted in his role as grandfather to Elias and Elektra, who brought him endless joy. His sons remained at his bedside until his final breath. In these final moments, John’s last words reaffirmed his deep love for his family, particularly his cherished grandchildren. John’s family extended to include his wife, Penny, his beloved sister Diane (Alex) Pappas, his stepdaughters Heather and Jessie O’Donnell, his nephew Damon (Viviane) Pappas, and his late parents, Archie and Sybil. A man of quiet and steadfast passion, John lived a life defined by meaning and connection. He loved the wilderness, where he would ski and canoe. He found profound joy in sharing these pursuits with his children and grandchildren. His artistic spirit thrived through sculpture, sketching, and painting, and he cherished the process of teaching and creating. He loved the life our family built alongside those two log houses in the woods. When his later years became more difficult, these homes became a haven in his mind – they offered him solace. In a recent moment of reflection with a lifelong friend, she asked him “Is the path narrowing?”. She sent a picture of ski tracks leading toward a snowy conifer. “Follow this path”. He smiled…Goodbye, Dad. Thank you for everything. We will remember you most vividly in the light and shadow on broken winter snow, in the sound of a canoe keel cutting through lake water, and in the aroma of pastry bringing loved ones together.
“It is only with the heart that one can see clearly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Friends of Algonquin Park.