Gerald A. Little
“Jerry”
1935-2009

Jerry Little of Springfield, Oregon crossed the “Great Divide” on August 10, 2009 from lymphoma. He was born in Albany, Oregon on July 12, 1935 to George and Wilma Little. He was raised and schooled in Lake Oswego. He life guarded on the Oregon coast and worked for Union Pacific Railroad. He then moved to the Eugene area and worked as a lumber broker. He lived his life to the fullest. His passions included the Cottage Grove Speedway, skydiving, surfing on the Oregon coast, beach combing, nature, skiing, model railroading, music, water colors, and photography; he was published in the Oregon Coast Magazine. He loved all sports and was a Duck fan. Among his many accomplishments was winning a gold medal for the breaststroke in the National Masters Championships. His American Indian heritage came out with his love of nature and his special connection with all of God’s creatures. His greatest passion of all was making memories with his grandchildren while sharing his zest for life with everyone he came in contact with. He is survived by his wife Elke “De” Little of 35 years, his four daughters – Shelley Rigdon, Kathy Jones, Susan Maas, Angela Rogers, and daughter Melanie Harrick; sister Meg Ledbetter. He was preceded in death by brother Gordon Little.

A private celebration of his life will be held at the Yaquina Head Light House in Newport, at a later date.

Donations can be made on his behalf to the Raptor Center, or the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

He lived his life to the fullest with the motto “never, never give up”. His energy and enthusiasm will be missed by all that knew him.