Farewell to a Friend: George Little 1944- 2014

For many of us in public office, long before we put our name
forward to stand on the ballot in an election there are always those individuals and sometimes groups of individuals who helped convince us that we could serve.  

For me personally one of those individuals was my friend George Little.  It is a humbling experience when, as a young business owner, someone who is well established in your community suggests you should run for office and they would
support you in that effort. George was that individual to me.

For those of us who were fortunate to know George well, he
had a passion for community and wanted good governance.

Throughout the years George encouraged and supported many individuals to get involved and try to make a difference.  However, George’s passion for his community did not end there. 
 
Many people are surprised to hear that Penticton is not exclusively a tourism & retirement based economy and also has a healthy and thriving industrial sector– indeed it is these well paying jobs and small business owners who are in many ways the backbone of Penticton’s most significant private sector employers. Few individuals have done more for unifying the many voices in the industrial area to support investment and change including the ease of regulation than George Little. His tireless work behind the scenes was immense and unique in that George always advocated on behalf of others and never once in my years working with him did he ever advance a cause of his own.

George Little was someone who I have a great deal of respect for. His admiration of those who worked for him, his love of family, and his advocacy of others in the pursuit of better government were all noble causes and none that George ever sought attention or credit for. I am still shocked and saddened by the loss of my great friend and offer my sincere condolences to his loving family. 

To say that George will be missed by many is an understatement but his quiet legacy is one that can be an example to others of the importance of supporting your family and your community to the best of your ability. I will always be proud of the example set by my friend, George Little.

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