Ronald Frederick "Fred" Elliott

Ronald Frederick "Fred" Elliott

Enfield, NH - Ronald Frederick "Fred" Elliott, 72, of Enfield, NH died December 13, 2024, with his life partner at his side.

Fred lived a rich, compassionate, and adventuresome life. Born in Blacks Harbour, N.B, Canada, and ever proud of his dual roots, he and his family moved to the U.S. in his early childhood. Fred returned to St. George, N.B. Canada to complete first grade, staying with his maternal grandmother Jesse Armstrong. "Ron-Fred" and his grandfather Fred Armstrong shared an affinity and unique bond. Grandfather Fred was a fierce advocate of the tiny infant, and little boy Fred adored him. They shared legendary lifelong qualities of unruffled calm, patience, deep empathy, service to others, and trustworthiness, qualities integral to Fred's success as a therapist later.

Fred graduated from Nashua NH High School. He earned a Bachelors degree in Forestry from UNH. But first, ever up for adventure, he took a year off, at the invitation of a friend, to work in his father's shoe factory in Puerto Rico. Summers in college, he worked out West for the Forestry Service, and fought forest fires. After college, he entered the Peace Corps, traveling around the globe to the island of Pohnpei, Micronesia. There he provided forest management, spearfished for his dinner, swam beneath waterfalls, appreciated the beauty of the people and place. For the rest of his life he still spoke Pohnpeian, the indigenous language he learned there, spoken by only about 30,000 islanders.

He served as house manager for adults with special needs, work he recently recalled as he thanked an LNA for her personal care. He had done the same work, he told her, and wanted her to know her value. He earned a Masters Degree from Dartmouth College, after which, as a mental health therapist, he treated Veterans and Combat Veterans at the Vermont VA Medical Center, establishing meaningful relationships. Veterans trusted Fred Elliott. Many Veterans will remember his care for them, his empathy and understanding and the help he gave.

In 1982 he married Binette Moberg Hubbell and together they raised their beautiful daughter Carrie. Fred was a devoted, loving, strong and supportive husband and father. They enjoyed a full life with many friends, in Hanover and later at their home on Crystal Lake in Enfield NH. Sadly, Binette passed away in 2011. Fred 's love of the lake, his pleasure in entertaining friends and family with pontoon boat rides and swimming, fishing, barbeques, camping trips, brought many happy times. Fred especially loved golfing and summers.

In 2013 Fred met his life partner, Dr. Brenda Eastman. They shared summers at beautiful Crystal Lake and winters in Texas and Georgia, and in Florida, where Fred lived close to his brothers.

All told, Fred Elliott was a rare individual, blending masculine strength and competence with empathy, a thoughtful intellect, perceptiveness, and always, gentle kindness. He was a generous provider and protector of family, a gentle and playful Papa Fred to his grandchildren, a wise and exceptionally loving life partner.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Binette; his parents, Sheldon and Marian, and by a brother, Douglas. He is survived by his daughter Carrie Hubbell Melgarejo (Pablo) and grandson Dexter of Washington, D.C; his brothers Richard, James (Lisa), Jeffrey (Shawn) of Florida; a nephew Jeremiah Dyakanoff (Jessica) and by his life partner, Brenda Eastman. Fred is also dearly missed by Brenda's grandchildren and their parents, her daughter Shivani and Brian Lockwood of Georgia.

A Celebration of Fred's Life is planned for July 19, 2025 11:30 am. Community Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Enfield, NH. Fred valued good journalism and kept informed of national events. Anyone so inclined, may, in his memory, support quality journalism, e.g., The Atlantic Magazine, National Public Radio or Television; or the ACLU, as he did. Questions regarding his service may be directed to Brenda Eastman.