Obituary for Dan Elliott

Submitted by Will Elliott

Former Talkeetna and Chase community resident Dan Elliott died unexpectedly December 21st, 2024 at Mat-Su Regional Hospital, Alaska.

Daniel Bartlett Elliott II was born September 18th, 1944 in Cadillac, MI to Bart and Alda Elliott. He attended the Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ, earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English from St. John’s and Johns Hopkins Universities, and taught at the University of Wyoming, before coming to Alaska in 1969. He worked as a commercial fisherman in Ketchikan and the Bering Sea; in the Laborers’ Union on construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, cleanup of the Exxon Valdez disaster, and other projects; and became a respected expert in the cultivation of apple trees in Alaska, participating in studies with the University of Alaska and speaking throughout the state. For a major period of his life, Dan lived in a log cabin he built north of Talkeetna, where he raised a family, working seasonally in the Laborers’ Union and as a Master Guide. He was a person of quiet breadth: in one lifetime, an English professor and construction worker, a trapper and seminarian, active in his local parish and community boards but preferring to avoid attention, 6’5” and massively strong but happiest, in the latter part of his life, grafting apple trees or coaxing laughter from his granddaughter. 

He is survived by his wife, Marian Elliott; his son, William Elliott, daughter in law, Sarah Sjostedt, and granddaughter, Lane Elliott; his sisters, Patricia Orlich and Maureen Hook, and brother, Fred Elliott; and the many friends touched by his kindness.

A viewing will be held 4–8 PM, January 3rd at Legacy Funeral Homes, 1015 S Check St, Wasilla. His funeral service will be held 10 AM, January 4th at Sacred Heart Parish, 1201 Bogard Rd, Wasilla, with a reception thereafter.