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BORN
1930
DIED
2016
Elliott Avedon Obituary
Apr. 28, 1930 - Nov. 21, 2016
Dr. Elliott Avedon, whose passion for the study of games culminated in the museum of games which now bears his name, passed away in Sarasota on the morning of November 21, 2016.
Dr. Avedon retired to Sarasota after a long and prolific career in academia, first at Columbia University Teacher's College and then at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Originally concerned with rehabilitative medicine, he became interested in games as an academic subject, published the now seminal "The Study of Games" in 1971, and founded the eponymously renamed Elliott Avedon Museum and Archive of Games, whose physical collection now resides in the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. Always keenly interested in technology, both personally and professionally, he was an early innovator in museum virtualization and the Games Museum continues to exhibit much of its collection in an online virtual form on the web today.
Dr. Avedon settled into retirement with his life partner, Jesse Nelson, who passed away in May of 2014. Elliott and Jesse loved the arts and climate of Sarasota, their many local friends and their dog Buddy. Always gracious hosts, they enjoyed throwing meticulously planned cocktail parties for friends and family alike. Dr. Avedon loved to laugh, learn and to dote on his children and grandchildren, alternating between the formal Professor ready at a moment's notice to educate, and the happy Grandpa playing music and games to enjoy the time together.
Donations on behalf of Elliott Avedon may be made to the Sarasota Opera, one of his favorite local artisans.
He is survived by his two children, Roger (Deb Kelly) and Madeline (Gerri Mirkin), and five grandchildren, Max, Jack, Rafe, Joss and Talia, all of whom share his love of games and learning and life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elliott Avedon
6 Entries
November 25, 2016
I lived in the same community as Elliott and Jesse for several years. Elliott was a good man and a caring neighbor. Among other memories, I have many fond ones of going to the operas together on Wednesday nights. My condolences to his family and friends. Barbara Cornell, Sarasota, Florida
Adrienne Gilbert
November 24, 2016
I remember Elliott with great fondness. I was a member of the first Recreation and Leisure Studies class at the University of Waterloo and he was a major force in the department and profession. His Philosophy of Leisure course was my all time favourite course....he was the father of Therapeutic Recreation. Later when I became a professor working in the same department we would discuss and debate issues facing the Therapeutic Recreation profession. He was a visionary when he saw the need to include the teaching of the use of computers as part of the curriculum. His study of and knowledge of games was something I admired. He was strongly opinionated and a true "one of a kind" person! There is a little part of Elliott in the many students he taught...he will be remembered.
November 24, 2016
Please remember the good times you've shared with Elliott and may God continue to comfort your family ~ Psalm 23:4.
Rein Selles
November 23, 2016
Elliot was part of the original working team to develop the Recreation Program at the U of W. As one of the guinea pigs back in 1970s, I appreciated his insight and sense of humour in class and his interest in student life beyond the classroom. My condolences to the family.
November 23, 2016
To Roger, Madeline, and the rest of the family, our deepest condolences at the loss of a wonderful person and former colleague. He will be remembered by many in Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Waterloo, especially many of our retirees and myself. Sandy
N Altilia
November 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss, Madeline.
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