William Bruce "Will" Elliott

William “Will” Bruce Elliott, aged 60 passed on July 28th, 2021.

Will. Willie. William, when he was in trouble. He had as many names as he had roles in the lives of those around him. Like his siblings and parents before him, he grew up during harder and less tolerant times. Early life experiences, while filled with beautiful memories, such as days along the shores of Sophie lake, turning the engine over for the first time on the latest project car, or dazzling a special someone with that mischievous twinkle in his eye, were also filled with experiences not spoken in polite company. Some taught him precious life lessons, while others left him broken and not knowing where to turn, leading to more loss and pain. But it also opened him up to more love than he thought possible. The birth of his children was his greatest joy and the one thing he “got right.” Even when he couldn’t be the man he so wanted to be, the love that he held for his family knew no bounds.

Unabashedly himself, outspoken, boisterous, music up, chainsaw at the ready, a drink in hand, he loved the best way he knew how. He lived his life exactly how he wanted. It wasn’t always healthy, it wasn’t always pretty, it wasn’t even always happy, but at the end of the day he would remind us that we are all family and that means we love, always, even when it’s messy. A quote he loved from one of his sons fits him so well: he would “rather be lost in the woods than found in the city.”

He is greeted on the other side by his mother Margaret Auld Elliott, father William “Bill” Elliott, his brothers Donovan Auld, Gene Elliott, and his many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

His legacy is continued through his 5 sons, their spouses and his beautiful grandchildren. Kyle Nelson and Chelsi Moy with their son Archer, of Bozeman, Montana. Derek and M’Lynda Elliott with son Sam, of Great Falls, Montana. Jeremy and Christyl Bennett, with son Eli and daughter Valerie, of Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. Chase and Sierra Elliott with their sons Chase, Wyatt and Ryker, of Camas Valley, Oregon. Luke and Savannah Elliott of Marion, Montana and their daughter Eden.

Siblings, Joan Hutchinson and family of Fernie, British Columbia, Debra Hagerud and family of Hosmer, British Columbia, Claude Auld in Lethbridge, Alberta, Tanna Choi and family in Elmo, Montana, and Kelli Knapp and family in Butte, Montana, nieces, nephews, cousins, far flung relations, close friends, drinking buddies and a few ex’s that will all help keep his light alive.