Rufus Reid Little, Jr., of Vineyard Haven, who for years fought the good fight with dignity and grace, died on Oct. 11 in hospice care at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. The cause of death was complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was 82.
Rufus was born in Boston in 1944. His father was a doctor, his mother a nurse; both were early examples for Rufus of lives of purpose and caring.
A summer resident of the Vineyard with his family beginning in 1985, Rufus and wife Caroline moved full-time to the Island in 2012.
An avid runner, cyclist and rollerblader, Rufus loved the sweaty, long-distant challenges on the bike trails around the Martha’s Vineyard Airport. Swimming at State Beach and Lambert’s Cove and hiking all over the Island with family and friends were some of his greatest pleasures.
He was unfailingly curious and friendly with everyone, which is why he made close friends so easily throughout his life. He was beloved by his Island neighbors.
Before retiring to the Vineyard in 2012, he devoted his working life to the welfare of young people at a number of institutions, including North Carolina Outward Bound School, Project Adventure in Beverly, Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., and as the executive director of the Drumm Farm Center for Children in Independence, Mo.
Rufus leaves behind an enviable legacy of good works, all of which have his lasting imprint.
He was predeceased by his son Michael Reid Little and his brother Thomas Little.
He is survived by Caroline Corvelli Little, of Vineyard Haven, his wife of 59 years, son John Robert Little and wife Jenny Smith-Little of Cambridge, granddaughters Vivienne and Violet Little, his sister Jane Little, many nieces, nephews and close friends.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made in Rufus Little’s name to the VNA hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, the Drumm Farm Center for Children and the Parkinson’s Foundation.