John W. Elliot

John William Elliot, 85, died Friday, June 4, 2010 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash.

John leaves his wife of 60 years, Marilyn (Smith) Elliot; his nine children, Margaret Elliot Heming, Jack Elliot, Marie Elliot Gartner, Yvonne Elliot Grenley, Patrica Anne Elliot Malcolm, Theresa Elliot Cheslek, Laura Elliot Parsons, Cheryl Elliot Ripley, Bill Elliot; 21 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; and many close friends.

John was born in Nome, Alaska, and raised in Ephrata, Wash., the son of John Jacob and Harriet (Snodgrass) Elliot; he lived in Cheney, Wash. for 43 years.

In his early years, John worked on the family farm with his brothers Harry and Earl near Sagebrush Flats and Rattle Snake Gulch outside of Ephrata. After graduating from Ephrata high school in 1943, John joined the army, where he served in the 96th infantry division. During WWII John fought as a member of the Dead Eyes on the island of Okinawa. John received the Bronze Medal for heroism in ground combat on June 2, 1945.

After his service with the army ended, John attended Washington State College where he met his wife, Marilyn, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education. They were married in 1950 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Spokane, Wash. In the 1960s John received his master's degree in Agricultural Economics from WSU.

John's first high school teaching assignment was in Prescott, Washington. John and Marilyn moved to Reardan, Washington where he was the high school agriculture teacher for 13 years. John lead Reardan's FFA program and his was the first in Washington state to include girls.

John and his family moved to Cheney, Wash., in 1966. He worked at the High School as the Ag and FFA advisor until he accepted the job as head of the Ag department at Spokane Community College. John worked at SCC for 22 years. He was the first executive director for the Washington Vocational Association. Alongside many other Ag educators John had the opportunity to work for Grange Insurance Association as a crop adjuster for 40 years.

John had a passion for making educational opportunities available for young people. He was active with local fairs and stock shows encouraging his students to participate. In addition to being president of the Washington Vocational Association and a member of the Ag Bureau of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, John won numerous awards recognizing his devotion to education and agriculture.

A memorial service was held Monday, June 7 in the hall at St.Rose of Lima.

Donations may be made in the memory of John W. Elliot to the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane.