September 7, 2022
After a two-year battle with late-stage heart and lung disease, Cy Little passed away peacefully at Michener Extendicare at the age of 86 on September 7, 2022. Cy had previously beaten the odds and was released from Red Deer Hospice six months prior to his passing.
Cy was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1935. At the age of 10 his family relocated from Middle Lake, SK to Penhold, AB to take advantage of Central Alberta's prime agricultural land. After graduating from Lindsay Thurber High School in Red Deer, Cy attended Olds School of Agriculture and worked various odd jobs, including a memorable stint in Uranium City. When his father summoned him back to the family farm, Cy set to work expanding Littles' Seed Farm and soon demonstrated he had a head for business.
In 1960, Cy married his beloved wife Donna and together they raised four children of whom he was immensely proud: Scott (Shelley), Terry (Lorelee), Cori Pietrucki (Mark) and Stacey Davey (Greg). Cy also became a proud grandfather to Jordan, Kaitlyn, Dallas (Lucus), Connor, Logan, Mya, Brennan, Brady and Landon; little great granddaughter Adaline and step grandson Ryan. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.
Cy was predeceased by his father, Cyrus; mother, Hildur; sisters, Violet Kaun (Elden) and Gladys Ohlinger (Martin); as well as an infant brother.
Cy took great pleasure in joking and kibitzing with the many friends he made through the farm, his love of sport and his regular visits to his favourite Innisfail coffee shops. He was an avid curler, representing Alberta at the Junior, Senior and Masters levels, played Old-timer hockey, and loved exchanging barbs on the tee box with his golfing buddies. Cy was a decades long Oilers fan and he and Donna enthusiastically endured countless Edmonton commutes to cheer on their team. In his later years, Cy and Donna spent many cherished winters in the Coachella Valley—years that Cy considered among the best of his life.
During his illness, Cy gave his family great comfort by often remarking that he lived a "full and good life" and that those around him made him feel "lucky, lucky."
At Cy's request, no funeral will be held. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society.
The family is sincerely grateful to the gentle caregivers at Michener Extendicare and the wonderful staff at the Red Deer Hospice.