Upbeat, short, sweet, and out the door.
Those were the instructions David Little gave brother-in-law John Swainson when he asked him to officiate at his funeral.
To those who knew him best, those directions—along with Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as one of David’s ceremony music choices—define David in life and business.
Upbeat, short, sweet, and out the door.
David Charles Little, 73, passed away peacefully in Huntsville District Memorial Hospital on Oct. 22, 2024, with his family by his side.
As with everything else he did in life, it was on his own terms.
David is survived by Susan, his teenage sweetheart and wife of 53 years; daughter Tracey and husband Andre Dupuis; son David James (Jim) and wife Elizabeth Bennett; and son Jarrett and wife Julie Little; grandchildren Cohen, Hannah, Quinn, and Aubrey; loving sister Sandra and husband Cal Shannon and family; sisters-in-law Gail (John), Donna (Klaus), and Anne (John); and many nieces and nephews.
David was predeceased by sister Marsha (Ken), and brothers James (Jimmy) and Stephen (Patricia), mother Mary and father Harvey and stepmother Ella.
As a dedicated Union sheet metal worker for more than 50 years, David, along with Susan, started David C Little Contracting Inc., which they operated for 35 years. It was his hard work and dedication that led to their ongoing business successes.
Aside from being a hard worker, David was a quietly generous and charitable member of the community, always putting everyone else ahead of himself. He loved to show everyone a good time when hosting, trading barbs and jokes with all.
David was an avid fisherman, hunter, outdoorsman, traveller, and dedicated conservationist. He loved being outdoors up north, whether at the family cabin, cottage, or hunt camp. As a workaholic, he was just discovering the joys of retirement with Susan at their dream home on Lake Vernon in Huntsville, where he loved snowmobiling and boating.
Most of all, David was a devoted family man who loved being a doting, fun grandpa, and, most often, the biggest kid in the room.
Accolades from friends, co-workers, business associates and family are pouring in, with all those fortunate enough to have known David being touched by his presence. Through all these people, David will always live on in our memories.
He is best described by one family member who said, “We are all better for having known David.”
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Harrold, Nurse Practitioners Jane and Adara, the Pallitive Care team, the Emergency Room and Nurse Nancy at the Huntsville Hospital for their care, empathy, and compassion.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and or Ontario Lung Association. For those unable to attend, live streaming is available and can be accessed on the funeral home website. Messages of condolence can be left at www.billingsleyfuneralhome.com.
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Susan and Family, there is not enough space in this comment area to adequately express the sadness I feel for you and the family. David and i shared many great times together full of fun and laughter. These are the times I will remember and cherish. Dave was always there for me. He was the first to offer his assistance even before i asked for any. He knew I was overwhelmed with building a cottage, renovating another rental place and he along with our other great friends came to my rescue. I will never forget the kindness he showed to me. This kindness was extended to me by Susan and their children Jarrett, Jim and Tracey because to be a friend of David was automatic acceptance by the family. I will forever miss my dear friend. Love Norm and family.
To Susan and family, I send my condolences. It was a pleasure to have known David and get to witness his kind, generous and loving personality. The many hours discussing his love for his family, fishing and enjoying his time at the hunt camp was always a pleasure.