1922-2005

John Little

John Richard Little was born on March 7, 1922, in Hastings, England, and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. He worked at logging camps and West Coast shipyards before enlisting in the Canadian Army in 1943 at the age of 20. He served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in England, North Africa and Italy. On February 10, 1944, near Ortona, Italy, he was hit with mortar shell fragments and seriously wounded, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee.

After enduring many surgeries, Mr. Little returned home to Canada and learned to walk again with the help of artificial limbs. He found employment with the federal government, but he said that the work he most enjoyed was his 57 years of volunteer service with The War Amps. He held several positions with both the Vancouver and Victoria branches, including:

• National Director, Victoria Branch (2002-2005)
• President, Victoria Branch
• President, Vancouver Branch

Mr. Little proudly promoted the Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program and attended numerous CHAMP seminars over the years, where he shared his experience and positive outlook with young amputees and their families.

In recognition of his dedicated service to the Association and his fellow veterans, he received the Distinguished Service Membership and Honorary CHAMP Membership from The War Amps, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

Mr. Little passed away on July 11, 2005.
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