It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Richard James Elliott of Debec, NB, at Carleton Manor in Woodstock, NB, on May 24, 2026.

Richard was born with a smile on his face, in Lower Brighton, NB, to Ross and Beatrice Elliott, on August 15, 1936.

Richard grew up in the village of Debec. At the age of 17, he left to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he became a communications specialist.

Following his stint in the RCAF, he worked in Churchill, Manitoba launching sounding rockets and messing with the occasional polar bear. He travelled across Canada, working numerous jobs along the way. He purchased a semi-rig and worked driving his truck for the Mayflower and the Red Ball moving companies in the US, winding up in Connecticut.

Richard eventually returned to New Brunswick, where he met and married Evelyn Nicholson in 1974. They settled in Debec, and together they operated the Debec General Store while Richard worked for the Department of Agriculture at the experimental potato farm in Benton. In his down time, he also built several houses in the village.

Richard was an avid gardener, supplying his family and friends with fresh vegetables (and fiddleheads!) year-round.

Richard is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Walls (late Isaac) of Debec and Shirley Elliott of Rothesay; stepdaughters, Pam Donnelly (late Brian) of Moncton, Karen Baglole (Allen) of Miramichi; Lorna Harris (Stephen) of Woodstock, daughter-in-law, Emily Nicholson (late Floyd), his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Richard will be remembered fondly for his good humour, generosity, and his endless supply of anecdotes, stories, and wit.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn; stepson, Floyd Nicholson; parents, Ross and Bea; brothers, Arthur (late Grace), Bill, and Stephen (Karen); and sisters Carol Duchemin and Ann Gombar (Gerry) who passed away in May of this year in Port Moody, BC.

Burial will take place in Debec on August 1, 2026, followed by a reception in Debec.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the MacKenzie Corner Cemetery Fund, the Carleton Manor Foundation or Plant a Tree.

Richard's family would like to thank the staff at Carleton Manor for their kindness and service during his time there.