Alfred Shannan Little was born in Carmangay, Alberta to Frank and Helen (Beth) Little on February 19, 1941. He passed away on March 30, 2025 at the age of 84.

Alfred was born to be a farmer and he died a farmer. During his working years, Alfred drove many Champion kids to school and many students on lengthy recreational bus trips for around 40 years. He was steadfast and reliable.

He also owned and operated a gravel pit for years. But the most satisfying and fulfilling work in his life was always related to his beloved farm and the farm related chores of seeding, tilling, and harvesting, or tending a few head of cattle. Though there were setbacks to farming from breakdowns to bad weather, he looked past the problems and resumed looking after the farm. Waiting for a good crop, finally in the bin. And if not, there was always next year. Next season. Next crop. There was always optimism.

Besides being a farmer, Alfred was a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and passionate community member of Champion. He married Donna Groves and they had two kids, Shannan and Brad, who became fourth generation Championites, inheriting their father's love of the farm, a lighthouse to which they  always return.

During the child rearing years, summer weekends were spent with Donna and the kids camping most faithfully with the Howes, Andersons, Daveys, Ohlheisers, and Heglands. Many enjoyable weekends were also spent with the Wolfes and the Dows. There was always lots of fun and laughter.

Alfred became a grandfather in 2009 with the birth of Kieran and then Cleio in 2011. From a very young age they were riding the quad and the garden tractor with Grandpa, never happier. Making Sunday waffles, sharing books, or just watching them play made Grandpa happy.

Alfred spent a lot of his time in his Lions service club where he received his 50 year pin not long ago. He would show up for any and all events with enthusiasm and heart for Champion.

He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, and the Champion gun club where he shot trap with his buddies for many years. Shooting the breeze was as important as shooting trap. Alfred had many stories to share.

Alfred loved a good game of pool, played by the Champion rules! And with all his practice, he was very good. Playing crib with Grant and Donnie became a part of his daily routine where the same Loonie was exchanged many times with good natured rivalry.

He also joined a group in Carmangay at a local hangout. Alfred looked forward to Thursday afternoons to meet with the guys. Whenever asked if there was any news, he would say no! Really.

Alfred was ingenious at making repairs which were referred to as 'farmer fixes'. They often became permanent, instead of temporary as intended. The jackall jack held up the front step for a couple of years. The last farmer fix was a 4x8 sheet of plywood with a squeeze clamp thought up by Shannan to prevent him from accidentally falling downstairs. It was a good plan, but Alfred was not impressed.

In May of 2024 Alfred was confronted with some major health issues that would change the family's lives. He could no longer reside independently on the farm so he moved to Lethbridge,  residing with Donna. Visiting the farm became occasional where his heart remained until his death. Brad looked after the farm with many 'suggestions' from his dad.

Alfred still had a fairly productive life in the city. A drive with Donna was fast and dangerous according to Alfred. He was advised to do up his seatbelt, hang on, and shut up. Probably good advice. He went out for coffee with family and friends (most notably Gerry), restaurant meals, drives, and he also joined Bridges, a program for seniors. He took his walker daily to the front gate of the condos where his smile and greetings were greatly appreciated. He enjoyed  a ride with his nephew Al on a Harley at Thanksgiving, a convertible ride with the top down at midnight to see the Northern Lights with Donna, a train ride at Little Gem Winery with Shannan and his grandkids, and fishing on Crowsnest Lake with Brad, to mention a few highlights. He still had the spirit of adventure that drove much of his life.

In the last week of March it became increasingly clear that time was running out. In his final days he was in palliative care with his beloved family, coming and going from his bedside in a very serene setting. His spirit was finally released on Sunday afternoon, March 30th.

Alfred is survived by his wife Donna of 57 years, daughter Shannan and husband Dave and grandkids Kieran and Cleio, son Brad, his sister Marjorie, nephews Al (Ali), Curt (Karen), Shane (Brenda), Jonnie (Nicole), Mark (Kylie),  and niece Renée, and grandnephews Andrew and Jasper. Of more importance than anything to Alfred were family, friends, and community.

He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life to honor Alfred will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 2-5pm at the Champion Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Champion Community Hall or the Champion Fire Association.