Obituary of Keith Wallace Elliott
Boise, Idaho - The last surviving child of Nellie and Charles Elliott passed away on November 3, 2021 in Boise, Idaho. Born in Oakley, Idaho, in his parent's home, he was the youngest of six children.
This man; who lived through the Great Depression, loved steam engines, personally witnessed the Japanese surrender of the Philippines, raised five children, several "hound" dogs no matter their actual breed, advanced professionally throughout his career, remained married to the love of his life Dorothy Dene Halpin for 75 years. He represented much of what is great about the "Greatest Generation".
Drafted into the Army for WWII in 1943, he was transported by rail to Fort Douglas, he trained to serve in the 734th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. At the rank of Sergeant, he deployed to the Philippines where he served until the war gratefully ended. Upon discharge, he returned to his parent's home in Idaho and met and married his wife Dorothy on November 10, 1946 in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Keith held a few jobs as he provided for his young family and was hired by the Idaho Power Company in 1950 where he remained until his retirement in 1985. When Keith left the company, it was the first time since it's inception in 1918 that a member of the Elliott family had not been employed there. During his career, he was a service technician, lineman, sales representative and district manager. His promotions took him from Glenns Ferry, Caldwell, Jordan Valley Oregon then back to Caldwell, Boise, Emmett, McCall and Nampa where he lived with Dorothy until his passing.
Dad was eager to spend his retirement years on the Broadmore C.C. Golf Course. He achieved a hole in one and was quite proud of that. It surprised no one as he had been an incredible athlete all his life. We watched him gracefully go waterskiing at age 52, arriving at a family party after work to watch his kids play in Payette Lake, coaxed into showing off his skills, he rolled up his cuff, put on a single slalom ski, stepped up, made a run and let go of the rope to glide back into the beach, never dampening the cloth of his pants.
His business and community affiliations were extensive, a man whose handshake was as big as his welcoming smile. In Jordan Valley, he served on the school board and later the ambulance committee that brought the first ambulance service to that remote community. In Caldwell, he served on the Boone Memorial church guidance board, the Rotary Club in Emmett and McCall. In Nampa, the Salvation Army, Lions Club and citizen's advisory committee for NNC.
Keith's ability to build and repair anything was amazing. In the 1960's, he rebuilt the engine of a 1951 Chevy with parts ordered from the Montgomery Ward Catalogue. He received many commendations from Idaho Power on his ideas for improvements within his various departments. He built the family homes in Emmett and McCall himself and later a cabin in McCall for recreational use.
In addition to more time for golf, retirement brought Keith and Dorothy opportunities to travel, Within a decade, they had visited England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and the Bahamas. Several of these trips were made with Idaho Power groups which Dad and Mom enjoyed immensely.
Keith is proceeded in death by his parents and siblings and their spouses, Myrthen, Oscar, Lawrence, Lenore and George and his daughter in law Michelle, Dorothy's sister Marjorie and brother Richard.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his sons James (Kerry Ellen), Jerry (Kaethyln) and Howard (Stephanie) and his daughters Becky Jackson (Jim) and Carol Dunn (Stephen). This clan as he loved to call it, gave him 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren before he departed this earth. They will miss him greatly.
A memorial and internment will be held on November 29, 2021 at 1pm at the Idaho Veteran's Cemetery located at 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho. A celebration of life with follow, details at the service.
May Christ wrap this beautiful man in his embrace and carry him onto many joyful reunions with former golf partners, co-workers, friends and family. Take care Dad, you were greatly loved.
