Thomas “Tom” LITTLE

Tom was born in the Ottawa Valley to his parents, Bill and Rita. During Tom and Judy’s first real vacation in their careers to Fernie, they fell in love with the Elk Valley for all the great things like biking, skiing, and small-town hospitality. You probably knew Tom as a bank manager, a ski patroller, a facility’s manager at the ski hill, a friendly neighbour, or a pool shark at the Legion. Our family, of course, knew him as a partner, father, and grandfather.

Tom and Judy met on a bus, heading home from a university break to their respective homes. Family lore has it that they argued about politics in their first conversation, and that sparky conversation resulted in dating. They soon married and had their first child Geoff. Although Tom had his career set on professional hockey with a scholarship to Queen’s University, it was derailed by an accident on the ice. Ever resourceful, he started working for the Bank of Nova Scotia, quickly ascending the ranks. They also had a daughter, Jennifer Nicole, six years after Geoff.

While Tom may have appeared conservative, he was a champion of the underdog. For example, early in his career when filling in for his boss at the bank, he granted a mortgage based on the customer’s character. When his boss came back and saw the paperwork, he said “we don’t do that!” to which Tom replied, “we do now.”  Tom valued relationships. Being with the bank required several geographical moves and Tom and Judy would re-locate, renovate, and renew. He was equally amazing at renovating as he was at numbers. A true renaissance man. He was skilled at chatting with people of all walks of life (especially if you walked past the corner of the Scotia Bank) and donated his time willingly over his lifetime to the Lions Club, Ski Patrol, and building his kids cool things like tree houses, and instilling a life long love of skiing. He was a master of practical jokes and carried a quiet kindness that was extended to others we may not be aware of.

He is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Rita, his brother, Michael, and his dreams of skiing again.

In lieu of any flowers, Tom would probably ask you to have a beer with a friend, go for a nice bike ride or fire up the BBQ. If so inclined, donations can be made to the Fernie Heritage Library. Tom was a lifelong reader and spoiler alert, loved history. Dad, your PhD is granted!

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Lori Gadsden, her MOA Joy, and all the dedicated hospital staff who have cared for him.

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm” -Publilus Syrus