James Rand Elliott Obituary (2024)

Our beloved husband and father, James Rand Elliott, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on June 11, 2024. Rand was born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, on September 2, 1950, to James John and Lolita Gene (Weber) Elliott. The family moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1952, where he grew up playing hockey, like so many Canadian kids. Their family ranch outside of the city was a source of many happy days filled with riding horses, trapping, and learning the value of hard work. As a caring big brother, he always looked out for his younger sister, Kris. Rand met his wife, Janis, in school and some of their first dates were at Pigeon Lake, a place still dear to their hearts. Rand and Janis both attended the University of Alberta, where he was a Phi Delta Theta. In 1972, they married and moved to Pullman to attend Washington State University, and then to Yakima to settle down and raise a family. It was there that Rand joined his father, as an owner operator of the Holiday Inn of Yakima for 25 years, during which time, he was blessed with many great employees that contributed to the success of the business. After selling the hotel, Rand wanted to give back to his community and successfully served three terms as a Yakima County Commissioner, where he enjoyed all the people that worked at the county and in the courthouse. Together, Rand and Janis were blessed with a happy marriage for 52 years. He was a devoted father to his two children, Ben, and Kylee, and enjoyed every aspect of their busy growing years. He treasured his four grandchildren, cherished spending time with them, and loved attending their sporting events. To his many friends, Rand was a confident man, comfortable in his own skin. To his family, Rand was a rock, a source of support and strength. He was a guiding presence in their lives, full of words of wisdom and always knew just how to help. Rand embraced life and had many passions which included sailing up the west coast, skiing, and Harley riding, all enjoyed with many dear friends. He had a hidden talent for sketching, a trait inherited from his mother. Music was a big part of his life, and he spent many happy hours with the volume turned up for rock, country, classical and even musicals. As a longtime Yakima Country Club member, and having served one term as president, he felt at home there and loved being at the club. He had a passion for golf and appreciated the honesty and integrity the game demanded. As an avid fly fisherman, he spent countless hours on the trout streams of the Northwest. He was always excited to hit the highway in his RV and had wonderful camping and fishing trips with his family. Some of his greatest adventures were road rallies in a 1935 Ford Phaeton with his friend, Leslie Roy, navigating by his side. The 2010 Peking to Paris Rally was a real highlight covering so many countries. In South America, at The Cape Horn Rally, it was thrilling for Rand and Leslie to win in their class. As a family, we cherish the fact that Rand felt he had run a good race with no regrets in life. "I was born into the rivers, the trees, and the fish. My family is nature, my home is the river and my soul is free." Rand is survived by his wife, Janis, his children, Kylee Stelzer, and Ben (Amy) Elliott, his grandchildren, Logan Stelzer, Liam Stelzer, Samantha Elliott, Beatrice Elliott, his sister, Kristin (Robert) Baillie, his half-brother, Jim (Aldene) Mason, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, James John and Lolita Gene Elliott, his half-sister, Amber Mason Lindberg, and his son-in-law, Paul Stelzer. Rand volunteered in our community and served on many local boards. Therefore, donations may be made in his memory to the Yakima YMCA or the American Red Cross, Yakima Chapter. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. A special thank you to his excellent team at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and to the caring staff at Cottage in the Meadow. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com