Christopher Jackson Little, 44, died Sunday morning in Chico. After beating a rare and aggressive form of leukemia seven years ago with the help of a stem cell transplant and a large dose of courage, he apparently died of an undetected and unrelated heart ailment or the flu. An autopsy will be performed.
Chris was born Aug. 9, 1961, in Paradise. He lived up and down the West Coast throughout his lifetime and returned home to Chico six years ago when he and his longtime partner, Tony Shafer, decided that after the battle with leukemia, this was where he needed to be.
Chris and Tony bought a Shangri-La in Butte Creek Canyon, just downstream of his grandparents' house he remembered so well from his youth.
Chris and Tony loved to entertain at their home or on their back lawn near the creek. Chris loved to invite a couple of people up for gatherings that he always promised would be "low-key."
The uninitiated would think "low-key" would mean chips from a mini-mart, canned beer and maybe a barbecued hot dog. Chris and Tony would instead have an elaborate spread that nobody else would think of attempting to prepare. Instead of chips and a hot dog, there would be marinated tri-tips cooked in a barrel, jerked chicken, homemade potato salad, bruschetta appetizers and elaborate drinks with little bamboo umbrellas in them. People would swim in the creek, listen to music, visit and laugh. Chris' idea of a "low-key" party was decidedly different from everyone else's, but all agreed that his idea of a "low-key" party was much better.
He graduated from a culinary academy in Portland, Ore., and was a fantastic chef, but never pursued restaurant or catering work. He preferred to cook for family and friends at home, and frequently helped his mother cook for hundreds of union workers at regular meetings in Sacramento.
In addition to creating beauty in the kitchen, his talents extended to decorating homes and yards in such a way that everything was a work of art. He was eager to help in the home or garden whenever anyone had the sense to seek his counsel.
The past three years, he and his father, Scott Little, were partners in Media Recruiters, a nationwide newspaper executive placement business. Chris liked to brag that he was employee of the month for 36 consecutive months, never letting on that there were only two people working in the office and he declared his father ineligible for the honor. Regardless, it was an impressive streak that will never be topped.
Never forgetting his new lease on life, Chris volunteered for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society as a First Connection resource. Chris used his firsthand experience to provide hope and comfort for recently diagnosed patients who are often filled with confusion and fear. Chris used these resources himself during his battle and triumph against Leukemia.
He touched the lives of many people who already miss him dearly but take solace in the wonderful memories. They include his partner, Tony Shafer; mother Carleen Gates; father and stepmother Scott and Debbie Little; grandmother Jessie Little; brothers Dan and David Little; sisters-in-law Lisa and Angela Little; stepsisters Courtney Church and Laurie Callahan; stepbrother Michael Callahan; four nephews and a niece who considered him a less-strict father, Haley Rich, Quinn Little, Fisher Little, Tanner Little and Forrest Little; three godchildren, Theresa Gibson, Jennifer Navarra and Wiley Gibbens; aunts and uncles Judy Vice, Marie Brandt, Antoinette and Monty Stratton, Tony and Betsy Navarra, Annie Little and Roberta Fase; and many beloved cousins and other family members.
The family tree resembled the enormous sycamore next to the creek at Chris and Tony's house that kept everyone cool on Chico's 100-degree days. That large family and his innumerable friends all played a role in helping him beat leukemia. All were marveled by the courage of his fight. All had their own special bond with Chris.
At Chris' request, there will be no funeral. A party will be held at his house later, but the time and date are uncertain because Chris is not here to plan it for us. The family is certain it would be a much better party if Chris were organizing it.
Donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Condolences may be sent online at www.chicoer.com or www.nbcfh.com.
Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Apr. 13, 2006