Frederic "Rick" Elliott

He is survived by his loving wife, Agnes (nee Eidt), his two children from his first marriage, Christopher (Bethanne) and Elizabeth Joy, and a grandchild, Ivy. His passing will be mourned by many friends and extended family.

Rick was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador on December 28, 1945, to Douglas and Elizabeth (Hilton) Elliott. The family traveled extensively, living in South America, the western United States, and Hawaii. The adventures of his childhood fostered a life-long love of travel in Rick, and the stories from his motorcycle trips to Panama and Alaska are famous among his intimates. Rick started college at the University of Albuquerque. He suspended his studies to serve his country, enlisting in the US Army and getting stationed in Europe. Eventually, he completed his degree in architecture (environmental studies and fine arts) from the University of Waterloo.

Rick was interested in innovation. Once moving to Ontario in 1972, he worked at IBM before becoming a successful entrepreneur in the rising field of computer software. Unsurprisingly, he was an early adopter of technology. Car phones, VCRs, and game consoles were in the Elliott home long before they became commonplace.

His children, Christopher and Joy, meant so much to him, and parenting brought him happiness. Whether making iguana cakes, being “Luigi” while making pancakes over a campstove, allowances contingent on laughing at his jokes, preparing easter egg hunts, or just being there to listen, all were high priorities in his life.

Rick married Agnes on July 22, 1989. They shared many adventures together, with a safari trip to Africa having a special place in their hearts. Rick was an accomplished photographer who enjoyed taking pictures of their travels, family gatherings, and the natural world. For much of their marriage, the couple lived in a beautiful lake house near Westport, Ontario. They welcomed friends and family into their home for holidays and long weekend visits. The devoted couple also wintered for many years in Florida, first in Key Largo and then in Sebring. They enjoyed their communities of friends in both places.

Rick was a generous and loving man famous for his sense of humour and fondness for wordplay. His mischievous smile and sense of humour persisted even as his cognitive abilities were declining, and he often entertained the staff at Discovery and visitors with his silly antics. The family would like to thank Grace, Dr. Vanderveen and ALL the wonderful staff at Discovery Harbour, who cared for Rick with skill, kindness, and the humour that he appreciated so much.

A memorial will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please give a helping hand to someone, or make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.suttonsfuneralhome.com for the Elliott family.