Andrew James Little
1955 - 2017
On June 21, 2017, a gentle giant made the final ascent to summit the ultimate peak. He left this Earth surrounded by his loving family. For over a year Andy heroically battled leukemia that went into remission this Spring. However, he passed away from complications of parainfluenza pneumonia. Andy was born in Boise on May 9, 1955 to Barbara Jo & Patrick Little. He lived his first three years in Emmett until the family moved to Boise and became proud North Enders. He attended St Mary's Elementary School, North Junior High School, and Boise High School. After high school, he went to work for the BLM in Alaska for the following 2 years and fell in love with the wilderness. He went back to school at Boise State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. He worked at various different positions until he found the perfect fit with Power Engineers. He worked for Power Engineers for over 20 years in many different aspects, including serving on the board of directors for six years, with his final position as a department manager. He made a great number of lifelong friends throughout those business years. He is survived by his loving wife Lisa Little; his adoring sons and daughters-in-law, Drew & Tina Little and AJ & Stephanie Little; his cherished granddaughter Karina Simplot. Brothers and sisters; Nancy Little, Tom (Kathy) Little, Peg (Larry Tuckness), Larry Little, Tina (George Perry), Tony (Katie) Little, Joe (Rachel) Little, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Andy married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Lisa) Thornton in 1981. Their union was quickly blessed with two sons, Andrew (Drew) and Anthony (AJ) Little. Andy's boys were his pride and joy. Whether it was sports, academia, debate, band, he was their number one fan, professional spectator, and willing practice participant in every way they needed him to be. Fatherhood for Andy was summed up perfectly in a letter from one of his son Drew, "Dad you taught me the 3 most important things in life: 1, God. 2, Family. 3, Everything else."
For Andy, life was a big adventure, and he shared those adventures with family and friends! Andy and Lisa shared a passion for travel. He felt the most at home hiking in the mist of the Sawtooth Mountains with his sons, Drew and AJ. He lived for the great outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, and peak bagging. He loved the Homestead Trail and walked it weekly with his lab, Reiver. The greenbelt river walks were reserved for a romantic daily hand-in-hand with Lisa or a stroll for a philosophical talk with one of his dear friends. He was a voracious reader and a collector of vintage maps and first editions from his favorite authors. He loved a good cup of coffee accompanied with good conversation and shared laughter with a friend. Andy's laughter was a true gift!
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Andy's favorite charity, St Vincent's De Paul or a charity of your choice. Remember to take the time to wander and always leave it cleaner than you found it.
The funeral will be held Thursday, 07/13/17, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Boise Idaho @ 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Stone House (next to the Ram on Broadway) from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Jul. 9, 2017.