Richard "Dick" E. Elliott, Jr Obituary (1921 - 2017)

Richard E. (Dick) Elliott Jr., 95, of Nampa passed away after a long and amazing life on February 23, 2017 surrounded by family. A viewing for Dick will be March 3, 2017, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd in Nampa, ID. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren, 11030 W. Orchard Ave, Nampa, with burial to follow at Melba Cemetery. Dick was the first-born child to Richard E. Elliott Sr. and Pauline E. Elliott. Born on July 30, 1921 in San Francisco, California. He was raised in Anaheim, California, and was later joined by his younger brother Robert Elliott. He graduated from high school in Redding, California in 1939. Following graduation, he went to work on the Shasta Dam near Redding, where his father was an engineer for Morrison-Knudsen Co. It was around this time, at the age of 18 he lost his right eye while working in a machinist shop. In October of 1942, Dick joined the Army Air Corp and served as an airplane mechanic during World War II. He was honorably discharged in January of 1946. Through his time in the Army, most of the money he made working was sent to his mother and brother to support them, being his father had been taken captive on Wake Island and held for 44 months. Following his discharge, he moved to Nampa, Idaho to take over his father's farm. On August 11, 1946, Dick married the love of his life Alice Marie Morris. They made their residence in the Bennett area, where they were blessed with 3 children: Donna Lynn, Thomas Richard, and Jeanne Marie. They farmed in Melba and were residence for the next 50 years. Upon their retirement, Dick and Alice Marie spent there winters in Mesa, Arizona where they golfed, adventured, and enjoyed time with friends and family. Dick is survived by his children Tom (Jill) Elliott of Richland, WA, and Jeanne (Dave) Patterson of Boise, ID; his brother Robert (Bob) Elliott, of Boise, ID, along with 9 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Dick had an amazing and long life. He was a very generous man, to a fault with family, friends, and the community. Up until his death, he was always quick witted and had an amazing sense of humor. Dick was full of life lessons that were passed to his grandkids and great-grandkids. If there was a quote to sum up our father and PaPa it would be the following, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill. We would like to thank Treasure Valley Hospice and Plantation Place for the exceptional care and emotional support for both Dick and his family. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be sent to Salvation Army, 403 12th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651 or Lighthouse Rescue Mission, 304 16th Ave N, Nampa, ID.