Ross Thomas Little

With the saddest of hearts, we announce the passing of Ross Thomas Little, husband of Annette Little, on November 23, 2024 at East Cumberland Lodge in Pugwash after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on August 2, 1944, in Halifax, NS, Ross graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School. He was a natural athlete, playing on the varsity football team and excelling in hockey, figure skating and gymnastics. He went on to work for Maritime Tel & Tel for 35 years, first as a linesman and then in installation and repair.

One of his greatest joys upon retirement was having extra time to spend with his beloved grandchildren, who adored their Papa. He enjoyed cheering them on in their sports and activities and never missed a chance to treat them (and him) to ice cream.

Ross was a natural artist, and during his retirement, he took up wood carving and painting and even decided to try fiddle lessons. His beautiful paintings were mostly of nature scenes and flowers, reflecting his love of the outdoors and his passion for gardening. Ross loved music, especially anything with a fiddle in it, and he could dance a mean jive. He was most at home outdoors in nature and found joy in sharing this love with his family. Family trips to Kejimkujik National Park were among his most cherished memories with Kim and Jeff, especially the early morning bike rides through the park, canoeing its rivers, and exploring its trails.

Ross and Annette married in 1998, and they shared 26 wonderful years of marriage together. In 2004, they made the town of Oxford their home and bought a ‘Craftsman’ home that Ross loved dearly. He could often be found in their yard, planting trees and flowers and creating new garden beds or interesting sitting areas. Ross was very proud of his garden and especially loved hosting ‘garden tours’ for friends and family. In Oxford, Ross was an active member of Communities in Bloom, and he found great fulfillment teaching children how to skate.

Growing up, some of Ross’s happiest childhood memories were of summers spent with his big brother Alan at the family cottage in Boutilier’s Point, where they enjoyed exploring the outdoors, swimming in the ocean, and (allegedly) pole diving. As adults, Ross and Alan shared plenty of quality time together, attending Mooseheads games, going on golfing road trips and trading gardening secrets. Ross loved watching sports of all kinds and faithfully followed the Blue Jays, Raptors and the Maple Leafs. He was a huge fan of hometown hero Sydney Crosby and, besides naming his cat after him, liked to joke about teaching him how to skate. A highlight of Ross’s summers was the annual weekend “guys” camp with his son, nephews and brother that included everything from lake kayaking to dressing up and golfing around the back lawn.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team of caregivers at East Cumberland Lodge for their kindness and compassion.

Besides his much-loved wife Annette, Ross is survived by his children Kim Leger (Steve) and Jeff Little (Erika), and his grandchildren Jenna Bustin, Sara Bustin, Eliot Little and Alex Little. He was predeceased by his parents Alice and Geoffrey Little and his brother Alan Little (late Leonora).

A celebration of Ross’s life will be held on January 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm at J.A. Snow’s Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, in memory of Ross.