Andrew LITTLE Obituary
April 19, 1936 - July 20, 2013
Andy found the love of his life, Dolce Narizzano, at Bishop's University, as well as his profession – journalism. That took him from the Canadian Press and Radio Canada International to many years as a writer, reporter and program host with the CBC in Montreal, and as a producer with the long- running show On The Road Again, in Ottawa. He was a multi-tasker before that phrase was invented, and he shared his well-honed skills with others as a CBC in-house trainer and part-time teacher at Concordia and Carleton Universities. He achieved a rare double honour in journalism: he was both highly regarded and well liked. Andy was also a gifted photographer who made the transition from dark room to digital with sublime ease. He loved photography so much, he has left his family and friends a legacy, a unique collection of family diaries in pictures – reminders of past times well spent. His strong sense of family made him resist the chance to work overseas. As he put it, "Why leave home when home is the most fascinating place in the world?" Most important to him was the love he had for his sons, Marcus (Lori Hewson) and Kip (1962-1992), and his daughter, Holiday (Nathan Sheaff). He was a fun-loving Papa to his four grandchildren, Hunter (Angela Skinner), Taylor, Lincoln and London. His muse, Shi-Shi – a Jack Russell terrier – stayed by his side as he wrote eight books after retiring from the CBC, or joined him on daily photographic excursions. Andy enjoyed engaging in lively discussions and was the founding "Guru" of two "Old Farts" men's groups – one in Florida, the other with good friends in Ottawa. He was incredibly good at talking to people – it didn't matter who it was, old or young. At Andy's request, there will be a private family service. In lieu of sending flowers Andy would love for you to plant one in a garden for everyone to enjoy. He felt celebrated in life by the many recent emails, phone calls and visits from good friends and former CBC colleagues who considered him their "mentor". They were inspired by his generosity, kindness, decency, calmness, patience, sense of humour, and teaching ability. And by his "gift of writing and story-telling". When Andy was just eight years old, his Grandfather said, "The lad has a way with words." To send condolences or share memories, please sign the guestbook at remembering.ca.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
49 Entries
elizabeth abbott
July 23, 2014
Not an acquaintance but a reader who has been very impressed with the quality of Mr. Little`s work, I wanted to share a thought or two about his writing... his book Before Whispers... had me mesmerized from page one, when he skilfully and thoughtfully, seriously yet with a light touch, weaves the mundane facts of the way his cat approaches a meal with something greater: the unique human qualities of his son... I look forward to reading more of Mr. Littles work; he has indeed left a great legacy.
Brenda Casini(Toman)
June 2, 2014
Holiday,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I will always remember him fondly of taking us to the Expos games to cheer on Gary Carter and also his never ending photos he took of us at play. My favourite that I still treasure is one he captured the excitement of me riding a bike for the first time. He was a great man who will be missed. My condolences to Dolce and Marcus. Brenda(Toman) Casini from Patricia Street in Montreal, Qc.
February 11, 2014
Dolce, I just learned of Andy's death. Please accept our
sincere sympathy on your loss. He was a wonderful and talented man. He is a great loss to everyone. We will
miss him. And, the Island will miss him also. Take care of
yourself. Mary Margaret and Joe Dickinson, Anna Maria Island
Arlene & Neville Clarke
February 11, 2014
Dear Dolce,
Neville and I were so very sad to hear about Andy. We are still having trouble believing that it is true. It seems like only yesterday Nev was helping you load to car for your trek north, asking Andy to take pictures of the tennis guys and our wonderful family photos as well as lots of laughs and great conversations! That tennis spin was another story! I do hope that you will be able to return to Anna Maria for the winter - we all miss you so much. We are happy that you have such a wonderful, close, loving family who we're sure share stories about their Papa. Lots of love to you and the family.
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Crit Holland
January 29, 2014
Dear Dolce,
I just learned through the vine of good Andrew's passing, and that dreaded hole in my heart was once again reopened. The short time and moments we spent together were unique to me. One doesn't have the opportunity often to experience a fine and well thought person. I, like the many others posted here, are much more enlightened to have had his acquaintance. I miss this gentle man and his words. I hope to see you back here again and truly wish you well.
janet rattray matthews
September 27, 2013
how terribly sad to hear that the brilliant andy has gone to the beyond---peace and love,dear dolce--hope to see you in florida---
Geri (Geraldine) Millington (Cobb)
August 8, 2013
My sincere sympathies to Andy's family & friends. I will miss my wonderful childhood friend & neighbour from St.Lambert. Always the gentleman & fondest last long talk & memory was sharing the bus on the way home from Mtl.,it was late so he insisted on walking me to my door as I was several yrs.younger. Such a sweet man.
Bob Burt
August 5, 2013
My sympathies to Dolce and family. Andy is remember well his reporting of the Bishop's Gaiters in his college days. May he rest in peace.
July 31, 2013
Dear Dolce,
Bob and I recently read of Andy's passing in The Islander. We were so sorry to hear of his sudden death. I will always remember his generous offer to take pictures of the homes on our annual Tour
of Homes.. Our condolences to you and your family.
Bob and Sue Moderhak, Anna Maria Island, Florida
July 29, 2013
Michael Tiger
July 29, 2013
Dear Dolce and family;
It was wonderful to have Andy and Dolce as neighbours who became friends that soon felt like family as I got to know Marcus, Kip and Holiday.
Outwardly, Andy was low key and laid back. Underneath, he was full of energy and intellectual curiousity. He engaged in his hobbies with passion, including photography and gardening. No weed ever flourished on his lawn.
Andy was a humanitarian at heart. He had a quiet, re-assuring manner and a genuine love of people and life. He cared.
Andy will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. My thoughts are with you all.
July 26, 2013
We want to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of Andy. I knew him as the dojo photographer who was always there to support the students and activities of Leading Edge. I did not know him as well as some but enough to know he was a gentle and intelligent man and a wonderful father. Our hearts go out to your family. Sue and Paul Lagasi
July 26, 2013
I am so saddened at the fact that Andy is no longer here. I feel however that I am so blessed to have known him and shared his laughter, his genuine love of family and his fascinating ability to tell a story. My thoughts are with all of Andy's family. Peace.
Ede Wolk
July 26, 2013
Andy...gone but not forgotten. Fond memories of working together in Montreal at the CBC.
Always a voice of calm and support. Thanks for all.
Tim Knight
July 26, 2013
Andy Little died last week.
Andy could turn a routine news story into simple, sparse, blank verse which, if you had any feeling for the music of storytelling, would bring tears to your eyes.
Once upon a time, back when CBC cared enough to train its journalists, I was its lead TV Journalism trainer. Half a dozen of us, including Andy, founded the infamous Flying Circus and jetted around the country persuading CBC journalists that there was a better way to commit TV journalism.
That reporters and anchors, for instance, should speak and behave on camera like real people, not teleprompter-worshipping automatons.
Andy was one of the best of the Circus.
It was sheer, bloody delight to watch this polite, quiet, gentle, easy-going man deconstruct a star TV reporter's news story with razor intelligence and make it ten times as good. He did it with caring and elegance, and when it was over the reporter he'd been tearing apart felt no pain, only respect, and determination to do better next time.
Andy Little was a fine journalist, a splendid storyteller, a great teacher and a lovely man.
Tim Knight, Huffington Post Canada, July 22, 2013
Isabel Hinther
July 26, 2013
Dear Dolce and Marcus. I'm so sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He was always very generous with his gardening knowledge and helped me plan my little plot in the Glebe. I quote him often now when I'm talking to friends about my garden. I once pointed out a plant in my patch and asked him if it was a weed or a flower. "Do you like it?" he asked. "yes, I do" I replied. "Then it's a flower!" That's been one of my gardening guidelines ever since.
And one of my favourite photos of my son, Matt, was taken by Andy. Matt and his friend Gus were practicing skateboard tricks in front of your house. Andy was good enough to give us a copy of the photo he took of the boys 'in flight'.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
chris rideout
July 25, 2013
Dear Dolce and children. There is nothing I can add to the wonderful tributes to an individual who has influenced so many lives. Mine included. I can never step into my darkroom (which Andy helped me to buy) or pick up one of the cameras he helped me to choose without his presence surrounding me. I only spent a year learning from him but that year has been magnified a thousand-fold in the years I have spent behind the lens. As I recently taught my grandson all the old (obsolete but beautiful) darkroom magic, I reminded him that all this knowledge was from an old friend of mine, Andy Little. Good bye old friend. Chris
Ruth Rauch
July 25, 2013
Dear Dolce,
We were so sorry to hear about Andy's passing. It was delightful share this beautiful place with you and him. Illuminata!
Ruth and Bill
Duncan Monro
July 25, 2013
My deepest condolences to Dolce, Marcus and Holiday and the entire extended family. I will always remember fondly the time, primarliy as a child, I got to spend with Andy and the Little's. I have always had vivid memories of the house on Patricia Ave -the VW Super Bug, comfy couches, lots of photography and the sound of Andy's soothing voice.
Chris van Soest
July 25, 2013
So very sad to hear of Andy's passing. I have such fond memories of all the kindness and support I was shown by him and all the family those years ago in Montreal.
Sending much love and peace to Dolce, Holiday, Marcus and their families.
July 25, 2013
Dear Dolce - Carolyn told me how ill Andy was and that she had had a chance for a short visit with you both. I am so sorry for your loss and am glad you have family and close friends to help you. Take care. Diane Bourdeau
Dawn & Peter Morand
July 24, 2013
What a wonderful bio of Andy - he left this world a happy man. All of us who knew him were touched by his kindness and genuine interest in people.
Dawn & Peter
Elisabeth Richard-Moscovitz
July 24, 2013
Merci Lionel for capturing this beautiful snapshot of Andy. A joyful, creative and loving soul who taught me a lot
Shirley Callaghan
July 24, 2013
Thinking of the family with love always. Our thoughts are with you.
July 24, 2013
Dear Dolce Met Dan at Tennis - enjoyed our games but especially our convo. Thinking of you. Take care Arch.
Hunter & Ange's wedding 2012
July 24, 2013
Papa & Mini
July 24, 2013
Wayne Rostad
July 24, 2013
Dolce, Marcus and holiday---so sad to hear of Andy's sudden passing. He was such a wonderful soul, loved by all. I feel privileged to have shared his friendship and mentorship during our years together on CBC's On the Road Again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 24, 2013
July 24, 2013
Goodbye, Guru. Can't tell you how much you'll be missed. But you probably know anyway. Lionel and Shirley.
"Ice fishing" in Kapuskasing by Andy Little
Gilles Guttadauria
July 24, 2013
My first shoot for "On the Road Again" was Iqaluit and Yellowknife. Freezing our tutus off. Great memories from that trip and great photos. That was his thing...we shoot, he shoots, and back home, we got to see the pictures and keep them. Great times Andy and thanks for the memories
July 24, 2013
Dolce & Family. My deepest condolences for your loss. What a wonderful legacy he must have left. Heartwarming to read the write-up about your husband Dolce. You are in my thoughts. Alana Abraham
Carolyn and Ron Williams
July 24, 2013
Dolce, and family.....Such sadnesss to hear of Andy's death. What a wonderful and creative person ,and having such a caring heart . Not many folks have all of Andy's attributes. He will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him.
July 24, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Andy's recent illness and now his passing. I have such swarm memories of him throughout my childhood, followed by time spent with my children in his company. My love to Dolce and family. With much affection, Tanya Pohl-Lew and family.
July 24, 2013
Holiday, Dolce and Marcus, Rob and I were deeply sorry to hear about Andrew. We are thinking of you all and hope that you will continue to tell Andrew stories and share his wonderful life with those whom he loved. Rob and Esther Wearing
July 24, 2013
Sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. James and Kate (Patricia Ave, Montreal).
Alec and Joyce Monro
July 24, 2013
Our friendship with Dolce and Andy goes back to the time we were neighbours In Montreal and our families enjoyed many good times together, there and in Vermont.
We reconnected many times, most recently in Anna Maria, Florida and enjoyed talking with Andy about our shared interest in family history, photography and coffee, always learning more and more from him.
Andy will always be in our hearts and minds as a kind, helpful and good humoured person who had an insatiable curiosity. He was great company and we will sorely miss him. Love to Dolce, Marcus, Holiday and all their families.
July 24, 2013
Dear Dolce, My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your soulmate...I will always remember Andy as a kind and charming gentleman! Claire Robitaille (Boyer)P.S. I would be happy to hear from you: 613-498-2039
Karl Nerenberg
July 24, 2013
I am shocked and very saddened to learn of Andy's too early death. Many say they remember him as a mentor. In my case, he was a kind of unofficial mentor, even though I was, officially, his supervisor on more than one occasion. We worked together in the CBC TV newsroom in Montreal, at On the Road Again in Ottawa and, again, at CBC Radio's The House when, after his retirement, Andy had a return engagement at CBC as an official mentor and trainer. He was a gentle, insightful, funny and intelligent person. I have only good memories of Andy as a fine journalist and even finer person. I know his passing will leave a big void in his family and circle of friends. Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences.
Karl Nerenberg [email protected]
Kate Monro
July 24, 2013
After many years, I am grateful to have spent some time with the Little's in Florida, to have read Andy's books and heard him speak about his and his parent's life, and to have reconnected with Holiday, a dear childhood friend. Andy, Dolce, Marcus, Kip and Holiday were in my world from the start. I have so many memories from our street, their home and their cottage in Vermont, and of many shared pursuits! My mom did yoga with Dolce, and my dad photography with Andy. Later, I loved to watch Andy 'On The Road' - he provided me with a special personal connection to Canada. Always interested, challenging and funny, Andy was a wonderful person to know! My thoughts are with the family. Love Kate.
Jacques & Charlotte Brisson
July 24, 2013
Dear Dolce
It is with regrets that we have learned of the decease of Andy. We know this a difficult moment for you and the members of your family. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jacques & Charlotte Brisson
Amal rashid
July 24, 2013
I am so very very sorry for this huge loss. I will keep your father and you and your family in my prayers. Lots and lots of love,
Barbara Good
July 24, 2013
I have just heard from Dave about the passing of Andy and to you, Marcus, Holiday and families I send my deepest sympathy. I will let Audrey and Doug know. Dolce, my thoughts are with you.
Gail Lambert
July 24, 2013
Holiday and Family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like he was amazing husband and father.
Karla Saltiel
July 24, 2013
I loved Andy very much. Both he and Dolce were very special and influential during my teenage years, always making me feel welcome, loved and respected as an individual. xo Forever
Joe and Michelle Ventimiglio
July 24, 2013
So sorry for your loss Holiday. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. He will always be with you.
David Good
July 24, 2013
Andy was a huge influence on my life. I knew him since I was 6 years old, he was my best friend's father, my mentor in photography, and a genuine friend. I always considered him my "second father" and loved/respected him as such. I will truly miss him.
Robert Roll
July 24, 2013
R.I.P. Andy. You will never be forgotten. Andy you were special.
Jan (George) and Ann Frajkor
July 24, 2013
Andy was one of the world's good people. Everyone who had anything to do with him, and work or play, will remember him forever. Our own memories from our earliest days are still with us, and will stay. May your family's life with him remain forever.
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