Bruce Elliott

Bruce MacArthur Elliott, 70, of Bayfield, Colo., passed away Friday, December 14, 2012, at his home. It was a peaceful departure into eternity while he was sleeping.

Bruce was born March 30, 1942, in Buffalo, Minn., to Harvey and Nellie (Varner) Elliott. He graduated from St. Cloud State University and then earned a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. On September 16, 1966, he married Barbara Anderson from Dassel, Minn. Throughout his life he worked as a pastor, probation officer, restaurateur, insurance broker, and most recently an investment advisor with the McAlvany Financial Group in Durango, where he worked until the day he died. He loved to serve, and his passion was to help those in need and to be a father to the fatherless. He served on numerous committees and boards, and cherished his family, which were his pride and joy. He truly lived life for them.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Bayfield; his son, Kirk Elliott, and his wife, JoLayne, along with their two children Riley and Caden of Bayfield; his daughter, Karrie Hardesty, and her husband, Cory, along with their three children Nicole, David, and Rachel of Trussville, Ala. He is also survived by sisters; Beverly Barringer, Annandale, Minn.; Patricia Olson, Edina, Minn.; Zella LaLiberte, Edina, Minn.; Ginny Russell, Bloomington, Minn.; and brother Tom Elliott, Benson, Ariz. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Nellie Elliott; and brothers Rodger, Douglas, Donald, and Duane.

A celebration of his abundant life will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Pine Valley Church, 1328 Country Road 501, Bayfield, CO 81122. Pastor Scott Kujath will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Bruce Elliott Memorial Fund for Single Parents. This way, his legacy will continue on. To do so, go to www.pinevalleychurch.com and follow the online giving tab. All donations are tax deductible. Designate Bruce Elliott Memorial in the offering area.