Born in Dunedin on 27 January 1924, Neil Little was educated at John McGlashan College and Otago Medical School, graduating in 1948. After house appointments in Otago and Invercargill and a registrarship in Dunedin, he proceeded to the United Kingdom. Here he studied and gained experience at Willesden, the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospitals and the Institute of Laryngology and Otology, obtaining his FRCS in 1956. Returning to New Zealand he became visiting surgeon at Palmerston North Hospital, a position he was to hold until his untimely death. A man of great energy he rapidly established himself in his chosen specialty and took on further appointments at Masterton and Waipurkurau; in addition he took over the pituitary implants with yttrium for patients in the radiotherapy department. As he had a flair for administration he was appointed chairman of his own hospital's medical staff committee and was particularly active in the affairs of the New Zealand Medical Association. He was much involved in the affairs of his community and as a dedicated Christian he ran a Bible class for many years. A true craftsman, he loved working with his hands and for relaxation built ship models and old keyboard musical instruments, in addition he was a keen gardener. He collected stamps and coins, and specialised in early New Zealand currency, such as ships' bolts. While in England he married Elspeth Hanton who survives him with their four sons, Alastair, Gordon, Stephen and Christopher. He died on 22 May, 1979.