Eugene mourns the loss of John Elliott III, a 88‑year‑old former Green Beret whose lifelong passion for theater enriched the local arts scene. Elliott died on Oct. 6 of heart and kidney failure, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, craftsmanship, and community service.
From Alaska roots to Eugene’s stages
Born and raised on a homestead in Homer, Alaska, Elliott moved to Anchorage where he discovered theater at Anchorage High School. After serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces—qualifying with 26 weapons and earning a free‑fall parachutist badge—he settled in Oregon, studying speech at the University of Oregon where he met his future wife, Lee.
Teaching fight choreography and stagecraft
For decades Elliott taught swordplay, hand‑to‑hand combat, and stage construction to high schools, summer camps, and community theaters. He contributed to more than 300 productions, including 31 performances of “Macbeth” and 11 of “Romeo and Juliet.” One of his favorite projects was the 2002 production of “Z: The Masked Musical” at South Eugene High School.
He also shared his expertise at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, where he taught stage combat and mass communication. Students recall his mantra: “Teach people how to fight so they wouldn’t hurt each other.”
Creative pursuits beyond the stage
Outside the theater, Elliott was an accomplished leatherworker, winemaker, and woodblock print artist. He and Lee ran the Victorian Pearl, a miniatures and dollhouse shop, winning awards for intricate parquet wood floors and miniature paintings. Their North Eugene home was filled with a “fat binder” of clippings, programs, and playbills documenting his prolific career.
He passed his love of craftsmanship to his children. Son John Elliott IV remembers building a dollhouse‑scale television from a miniature Casio color TV, while his daughter Lisa notes that the family often made leather sandals and homemade wine together.
Family, faith, and lasting impact
John and Lee were married for 66 years and raised four children on a Pleasant Hill homestead, living a self‑sufficient, do‑it‑yourself lifestyle. Their faith and dedication to family were evident in every project they undertook.
After retiring, the Elliotts donated Elliott’s stage weapons to local theaters, ensuring future performers could benefit from his expertise. In accordance with his wishes, no memorial service will be held. The family asks that donations be directed to The Very Little Theater in his memory.
Remembering a community pillar
Elliott’s influence spans generations of Eugene artists, actors, and technicians. His commitment to teaching, craftsmanship, and faith‑centered family life exemplifies the values that strengthen our neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
