Grant Melvin Little

Grant Little was a loving family man and exceptional father. He was born on April 1st, 1927, in Cass City, Michigan.

A teacher by profession, he enjoyed the energy of young people. He was a literary scholar and a voracious reader -- always interested in learning new things and a variety of topics. He had a sly and quick sense of humor.  He and his wife, Virginia, attended the same college, Central Michigan University, but only met when they both began their teaching careers in Lapeer, Michigan.

His teaching schedule allowed him to spend part of each year traveling around the the United States and Canada with his family  (Virginia and children Carole Lynne, Becky and Arthur), often camping long before it became so popular, when no reservations were necessary even for the National Parks. The shared adventures made for a close family group.

Grant was a gourmet cook. He even baked his own bread and made Kosher style fermented dill pickles. He was raised on a farm and loved to grow both vegetables and flowers. When he first retired to the mountains of Todd, North Carolina, he taught the neighbors the joy of compost.

Grant and Virginia finally settled in Glen Ellen in 1987. Grant enjoyed visits with his children and also his grandchildren, Sam and Dave Padilla. He would send the grandsons surprise notes with a bit of spending money (and some creative ideas for spending it) while they studied in college. He also continued travels with Virginia, driving cross country and going as far as Europe and Alaska.

His son, Arthur, moved to California for work and moved in with his parents. 

Grant passed away peacefully at home at almost 91 years of age. In accordance with Grant's wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service, but instead a quiet family memorial, and his ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

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