John Patrick Little passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on June 21, 2019. He was born Feb. 6, 1926 to Edward John and Alice Little in Portland.
John attended Central Catholic
High School, Lincoln High School
and Columbia Preparatory. He received his BA and Masters Degrees from the University of Portland.
His passing was preceded by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Kathleen; brother, Edward J. Little; and grandson, Sean. He leaves behind a loving community of family and friends including his wife, Norma Autenrieth and her two children, Tina and Richard; sons and daughters, Joseph, Mary, Molly and Patrick Little; grandchildren, John, Megan, Joe, Caitlin, Chelsea, Eli and Patricia; compadres and comadres, Sonny and Zahidee Montes, José and Cathy Romero; nephews and nieces; and many “compas,” ahijados and friends.
John served in WWII and in the Korean War in the U.S. Army and Air Force. His work and life was dedicated to social uplift and social justice. He served as the first Director of Blanchet House of Hospitality, the first Director of Camp Howard, was a teacher/Principal in Yacolt, Washington. He and his family spent five years serving as Papal Volunteers in Ibarra, Ecuador from 1961-1966 organizing local artisans to build and create worker-owned co-ops. Upon their return, John and his family settled in the Willamette Valley where he worked as the First Director of the Valley Migrant League in Hillsboro and Woodburn, a Board member of the Colegio Cesar Chavez in Mount Angel, and as Director of Migrant Education in Marion/Polk Counties for 21 years. After retiring in 1991, John volunteered as project director for Mount Angel and Woodburn Habitat for Humanity. He lived at the Mount Angel Towers for 25 years where he met Norma, whom he married in 2009.
John enjoyed leaving “donations” at the Casinos, fishing, playing golf with his compadres, and many travels with his brother Ted and MaryAnn Little. He led a full life dedicated to social justice. His family and “compas” are left with wonderful memories of a selfless, generous and loving man, father and grandfather. As he was fond of saying, “que le vaya bien, pero de todos modos, vete.” He will be deeply missed.
A funeral mass and celebration of
life service will be held at 11a.m.,
Aug. 22 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Oregon with a reception to follow in the Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: César E. Chávez Leadership Conference, 345 Monmouth Ave N., Monmouth, OR 97361.
