Robert Little (Borkowski)
Robert Little (Borkowski)
1941 – 2022
Robert Little, 80, passed away Monday, November 7, 2022, just 3 days shy of his 81st birthday. “Bob” was born November 10, 1941, in Price, Utah to Roy & June Little. When he was a few years old, Roy & June divorced, and Bob found himself being raised by his mother June, and his step-father, Alvin Wilcox who he loved and always considered to be his dad. He later moved to American Fork with his parents, sister Sharon and brother John, where, in 1960, he graduated from American Fork High School. Two years later he would earn an electronics degree from Central Utah Vocational Tech College. In November of 1963, at the age of 22, Bob joined the military and went on to serve in the Army in both Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Ord, California, during the Vietnam war, and then later, the Army Reserves.
In 1952, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and would go on to serve in many different positions, enjoying each and every one. This was an important part of his life and he was always willing to serve. He was very active in the Church, providing a strong foundation for his family in the home.
In May of 1966, He married Patricia Gail Parry, in the St. George, Utah Temple. They would later go on to have eight Children. They lived in Salt Lake City after they first married, then later moved to Centerville and Draper Utah, before settling in Pleasant Grove, Utah, in 1970, a place he would call home for the rest of his years.
Along the way, in 1973, Bob began his employment in the Electronics Media Department at Brigham Young University (BYU), a career path that would send him to assist in setting up the BYU Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center, and eventually have him in charge of maintaining the electronics (including the giant viewing video wall screens) at the BYU Lavell Edwards Stadium & Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. After working for 39 years, he retired from BYU in 2012. In 2011, Robert became an actor for the Church’s New Testament Bible videos. One role afforded Robert a robust beard that had children around town believing that he was actually the real Santa Claus.
In 1997, Bob also started volunteering for International Association for Near-Death Studies, Inc. (IANDS). For 21 years, he handled recording, editing, and sound for IANDS and enjoyed meeting new friends and acquaintances.
In 2017, DNA research revealed that his birth father was in fact, Henry Borkowski. Bob graciously embraced this news and, in 2019, was fortunate enough to travel to Niagara Falls, NY, and meet his Borkowski relatives including cousin Mary and her family.
In November, after a series of strokes and health issues, Bob Little (Borkowski) succumbed to failing health and passed away. He is survived by his wife Pat, 8 children, Grayson Little, Aaron Little, Robyn Swenlin (Brian), Heidi Little, Clarinda De Carlo (Mike), Janae Hall (Patrick Parker), Mike Little, Jesse Little, 13 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, his brother John Wilcox (Kathi) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by, his parents Alvin & June Wilcox, Roy Little, Henry Borkowski, his sister Sharon and her husband Marvin Marsh and granddaughter Jade Little.
Funeral services for Robert will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Manila 6th Ward Chapel located at 850 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the Manila 6th Ward Chapel. Interment will follow services in the Highland City Cemetery.