Dear Friends, Colleagues, Students, and everyone who knew him:
Bob Little's motto at his 75th birthday dinner was "Friendship Forever".
It is with great sadness we are sharing the news of the passing of Robert Douglas Little on 12/29/2020 at his home in Richardson, TX. Born on 6/27/1945 in Storm Lake, Iowa to his parents Robert Douglas Little and Mabel Viola (Orwig) Little, Bob began his friendship journey. His life on the farm with his Southdown sheep and other animals as his best friends were among his favorite childhood memories and pastimes. The friendships he forged during his elementary and high school years carried him through life.
Bob graduated from Albert City High School in 1963 and attended Fort Dodge Community College. From there he transferred to The University of North Texas where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1967. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and the friendships formed there have been lifelong. He did his student teaching at Adamson High School in Oak Cliff, TX for one year before pursuing a graduate degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied constitutional law.
From the fall of 1969 to spring 1971, Bob taught history and geography at WT White High School in Dallas. He then joined the Dallas County Community College District at Mountain View College, where he remained until 1978, when transferred to Brookhaven College. There he remained until May 2020, capping his teaching career of 53 years.
Brookhaven's opportunities provided him the chance to travel the world, explore a love of students and engaging with others, and helping to influence and transform students' lives.
The other loves of his life were his daughter, Lisa Little of New York City, and his 30-year companion, Nancy Ungerman, of Dallas, TX. Together, Nancy and Bob traveled the world, shared dinners with friends, and were a great source of happiness for each other.
Bob was pre-deceased by his parents. He is survived by his brother, James Little and wife, Sandra, of Ankeny, Iowa; sister Jane Vallier and husband, Fred, of Ames, Iowa; by his daughter Lisa Little of New York City, Lisa's mother, Peggy Little of Garland, TX, and Nancy Ungerman.
Burial of his ashes will be at a future date in Storm Lake, Iowa, with his parents, in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Visitation at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, TX will be on Wed., 1/6/20 from 10 AM until 5 PM. A celebration of his life will be held at the same facility on Thur., 1/7/20 at 10 AM. Due to the virus, streaming of the service will be made available. Please view the Restland website or contact Restland for details at 972-238-7111.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship in Bob's name will be established through the Faculty Association at Brookhaven College. Please contact Ahad Din at [email protected] for more information. Donations may also be made to the North Texas Food Bank.
|
About |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert Douglas Little |
| Date of Birth | June 25th, 1945 |
| Date of Death | December 29th, 2020 |
| Home Town | Storm Lake, IA, US |
| Other City | Richardson, TX, US |
| Interests | Travel, Cars, Bulldogs |
| Favourite Saying | Bob Little's motto at his 75th birthday dinner was "Friendship Forever". |
| In Memoriam Donation | Robert "Bob" D. Little Memorial Scholarship Fund |
|
Memorial |
|---|---|
| Funeral Home | Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery |
|
Milestones |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 - 1963 | Albert City HS, High School | ||
| 1963 - 1965 | Fort Dodge Community College, Transfer | ||
| 1965 - 1967 | Education, Bachelors | ||
| 1969 - 1971 | Teacher, Dallas ISD | ||
| 1969 - 1971 | Education, Masters | ||
| 1972 - 2020 | Professor, Brookhaven College - DCCCD | ||
Error
Sign in to Keeper:
Send as Guest:
published a tribute .
In my first semester at Brookhaven after being expelled from high school, Professor Little assigned me a short, two-page paper with our midterm exam. It was supposed to be 25% of the grade for the midterm. I did not do the paper, but I aced the exam itself. When he returned our exams, he looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and said, "Don't do that again." He had given me full credit.
I ended up getting the first A I'd ever received as a final grade, spending a couple of years working odd jobs while I finished high school by taking classes at Brookhaven, and getting my bachelor's.
Now, looking back as I finish law school and prepare to move to NYC to start a very different life than I (or anyone else) ever envisioned for me, I cannot fathom where I would be if he had not shown me such kindness. He saw me for what I was - a scared, short-sighted kid - and gave me an opportunity to grow. His commitment to empathy and teaching - I saw him do similar things for other people, each very different, but all his students - was a model for life and service. I owe him an immense debt, and I hope to pay it forward eventually. I regret immensely that I never wrote him a letter to express my thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I met Bob during the summer of 1978 in an office trailer on the soon to be Brookhaven College campus. Bob was an … everyone has a story and I want to know that story type of guy. Being gregarious, he immediately introduced himself and we quickly bonded. We immediately realized we were geographically opposites. Bob from the Iowa farm lands and me from the streets of New York. However, Bob never let any type of human definition stop him from getting to know someone. He just flat out accepted everyone. Bob was humble, forthright, honest, and direct. He basic interest of finding out what made people “tick” brought him a myriad of lifetime friendships that he actively maintained. Yes, actively maintained. He was always on the phone conversing with people from his childhood, college days, travels, former employments and many, many former students. Once he connected with you, you were on the list to get a call to “check out how you were doing” and/or to go out to lunch.
Bob life energy came from a passion for learning and sharing that learning. He spent his life reading, studying, traveling, and engaging. All with the purpose of pursuing knowledge. He shared this knowledge with his classes. Teaching was Bob’s life. All his waking hours were spent either with thinking about and being with Lisa his daughter and Nancy his close friend or studying his discipline and thinking about how to engage the ever-changing student population. Bob was a whirl wind of energy in the classroom. No internet for him. This active engagement with others was the reason for his existence. His lectures were lively, engaging, and interactive. He always tried to find new ways to get students to engage with each other and learn why people do the things they do. Bob was a true social scientist. He was a Government teacher, but the study of humans was his true calling. He brought Psychology, Sociology, History, Philosophy into his classes and many times got many of us to present in his classes. His classes were always attentive for Bob created an atmosphere of attention with his multiple teaching styles that brought media, lectures, student lead lectures and interactive group discussions into his classes.
I will miss:
The earlier morning political, psychological, and more importantly personal discussions.
Walking by his office and having him say, “Dr. Link I want you to meet ___he/she is a student from ___ who is interested in ___.”
Hearing him say “hey kiddo”.
Not sending him the latest David Brooks column.
Saying “Now Dr. Link remember the importance of timing we were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when we got our jobs.”
Saying “How fortunate we are to have superb colleagues, an atmosphere that supports learning, good pay and students hungry to learn.”
Hearing about his latest trip that took him to all continents and every county in Texas. He always found something interesting to learn every place he went.
Watching him wave his arms, pound on desks, snap his fingers, clap his hands to get classes and people’s attention.
Most of all I will miss Bob being Bob. And that is a how I will remember him as the guy I bonded with forty-three years ago. Miss you buddy, but I know if I have Bob memories, I will always have Bob in my life.
1 1
published a comment .
Steve: Thank you for sharing this most beautiful and heart-felt remembrance of my dad. This was so touching.
Lisa
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I met Bob as we started our mutual journey to create the best learning environment - Brookhaven College in 1978. Both of us had been teaching at other district campuses but all of the founder faculty came together and bonded under adversity since there were no lecture halls finished and an abundance of fill dirt. Bob and I both sported beards and often students would mix us up and beging asking me about some history or government assignment until I politely said you want that other good looking guy with the beard in the Social Science department. As time went on we would tell each other and laugh about these encounters. Bob with his love of humor would enlist Lisa as a youngster growing up on our campus, to stop me or pop into my office and ask, "Are you Bob Little?" Bob was always interested in his friend's family history and as an Armenian American he would inquire if I knew thw history of the Armenian genocide and wanted my feelings on the matter and how it impacted my family. My maternal grandfather was a walker all of his life as was Bob and Bob loved to hear stories of my grandfather walking ten mile into downtown Boston to pay a bill and the then walk back home with the trolly running along his path. He would stop me in the hall to introduce me to one of his new colleagues or a student to make a connect. Inrecent years we would see each other infrequently and stop to in disbelief that we were both still teaching every day doing the thing we loved the most. I will miss the enthusiasm and inquisitiveness and wanting to share something new he had read or experienced. You always felt when you talked to Bob that you were kindred spirits. I am so fortunate to have known Bob for these many years and he has taught me to keep up the good fight and carry on our special mission as teachers. Bless you Bob and bless you Lisa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Wow, I guess it has been 20 years, since I met Bob! Jane Rowe, myself and Shirley Smith had offices right next to Bob. He was such a nice man and a great colleague. It was so fun to be around the Social Science guys, we all had such wonderful chats and exchanges. I was sadden to hear of his passing and my condolences to his daughter and family. Bob leaves a lasting impression of kindness to us all!
published a comment .
It is with sadness and honor that I express my condolences to his daughter, family and Ms. Nancy, it was an honor to have known Mr. Bob, we shared wonderful conversations about our childhood and growing up on a farm, he was always attentive and enjoyed my stories of my grandfather and the life of my family of rural Mississippi, he was a fantastic historian and I will miss talking with him and sharing our common upbringing, he will be truly missed. This country girl from Mississippi considered it an honor to have known Mr.Bob, thank you for the life you shared.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I met Bob in 2004 when I began at Brookhaven College in Coordinated Studies. Bob always took a keen interest in his students and we spent many of his office hours discussing his lovely daughter, his growing up in Iowa, the current state of politics, books and movies he would recommend. I was always so honored to spend time and have engaging dialog with him.
Bob exposed me to the Dallas Counsel of World Affairs where I had the pleasure of hearing from local and world leaders at luncheons. Bob encouraged me to take a summer abroad class to Costa Rica, my first venture outside the US and I have fond memories from that time that I will forever cherish. Bob always knew someone who knew someone who knew someone that he was eager to connect you with to help you along your path.
Over the years, Bob became my friend and mentor. He finally talked me into majoring in Political Science. He told me about how wonderful the Poli Sci program was at SMU and about many of the classes he enjoyed taking there. Bob wrote me a recommendation letter for admission to SMU, along with many other valued professors and mentors, and he played a pivotal role in helping me get one of five full tuition scholarships to SMU so I could complete my Political Science Degree. My life was forever changed because I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and becoming his friend. We kept in touch over these many years.
My last conversation with Bob was in late October when he called to suggest a possible job opportunity for me and of course we agreed to go to dinner once things were safe from the pandemic. This last conversation is so quintessentially Bob. Bob, thank you for being you. For always caring and listening and hearing everyone out with genuine interest and care. For being an "A+#1" professor. For exposing me to books, movies, events and ideas I wouldn't have otherwise known existed. Thank you for being one of my forever friends. XOXOX
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Bob was the first person outside of our division that Charles McAdams introduced me to when I started in 1997. Bob was so proud that he and Charles were Iowa boys. I remember the three of us having coffee in the morning in Charles’s office and discussing world events. So many good memories! Rest In Peace my friend! ~Adrien
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Shortly after Bob and Nancy returned from their trip to Russia I saw him at Brookhaven and asked about the trip. I held my skepticism about supporting the Putin regime in the face of his enthusiasm about his experience with the Russian people. I am Bob’s senior age-wise but he bypassed me in teaching by 10 years. Yet I take inspiration from him to practice the lessons I claim to have learned: everyone has a story and be better at listening rather than talking. Thank you, Bob.
Barbara Morchower
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I met Bob during my time as an adjunct instructor in the Government Department at Brookhaven and was lucky to know him for the two years I was there. He would stop in to chat frequently when I was holding tutoring office hours, and these visits helped me take a step back from my dissertation research and talk all things Iowa. Bob found out early on I was from his beloved home state and even more that my parents grew up only 40 minutes from where he did, and as it turns out, he frequented a restaurant owned by my great grandmother when he was passing through the Everly area. Our chats extended beyond Iowa memories, but those chats helped me stay firm in my goal to make it back to a school in the state. Bob was a firm believer in my ability to do so and a staunch supporter of that choice. When I received my job offer to return to an Iowa liberal arts school, I think Bob was more excited than I was because that’s who he was, a cheerleader for everyone’s success.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Bob was a colleague and a friend. When he asked questions or make inquiries, he actually wanted to hear the response. Bob was eternally excited to see his students, encourage them towards success, and celebrate the good in the world. He was the first to applaud accomplishments, and was a consummate cheerleader for his colleagues.
Bob was humble, never betraying his Iowa roots, and never boastful of his successes. He never stopped learning, and could often be found reading in his big office chair. He loved sharing what he had learned, his sabbatical endeavors, and was walking proof that learning is a lifelong adventure.
Bob was a supporter of those around him and his community. He never failed to support the food pantry and the students, the extracurricular opportunities at Brookhaven, and other endeavors. His generosity was both quiet and limitless.
Bob was a one man welcome wagon for any and all new faculty and staff at BHC. He feared no conversation, and never met a stranger. When I stepped foot on campus, Bob was one of the first people to welcome me to the BHC family, and continued to include everyone. We spoke often in the afternoons, when the halls were quiet. He always greeted me with a "hey, kid" - and always wanted to know what was new.
Bob was my friend, and one can never have too many friends in this world. He will be greatly missed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I remember in high school, Mrs. Anderson was teaching us about Chaucer and “The Canterbury Tales” …. the phrase she loved was said of the scholar on the journey …
“And gladly would he learn and gladly teach” …
This, to me, has always described Bob ..
Bob, you made Mrs. Anderson proud …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
I knew Bob for over 40 years as a colleague and friend. He will be missed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
You thought me Govt in early 1990’s - with that crazy friend of yours Jay Hammond. I’m eternally greatful to both of you nuts - for your world perspectives on so many things. You were Awesome! & You STILL are! Many Blessings from Ireland - God is good -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a tribute .
Bob was a fine friend and colleague, a helper to me over many years. His positivism and curiosity propelled him and inspired me. Truly a friend forever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
published a comment .
Read More