Gary Stephen Elliott

Gary Stephen Elliott

Thousand Oaks, CA

Gary Stephen Elliott, 56 of Thousand Oaks, California passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and an abundance of love on October 31, 2017. His passing ended an 8.5 year journey against the odds, post complications due to a cardiac arrest in May 2009.

Gary is survived by his wife of 15 years, Mia Elliott, son Brandon Elliott, daughter Leah Elliott, and step-sons Brandon and Kameron Butler of Ventura County. He also leaves behind his family in Arkansas, mother Nancy Smith, step-father Bill Smith, brothers, Rick and Dan Elliott sister, Donna Batte, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Don Elliott of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Gary was born on April 9th 1961 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Nancy and Donald Elliott. He graduated from Ole Main High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1984 from Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri. He married Brandon and Leah?s mother, Lisa Brooks in 1984, who sadly passed earlier this year.

Gary's quest for making a meaningful difference in discovery medical research led him to Thousand Oaks, California in 1989, where he began a 20 year career doing what he loved - stretching his scientific mind by conducting experiments while listening to an eclectic array of music in the flow cytometry lab at Amgen Inc. He was an active member of the community and his passion for science paired with a goal of inspiring creativity for future generations was supported through his active participation with The Discovery Center for Science and Technology of Ventura County.

At the young age of 27, Gary was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease "Dermatomyositis" and his life was forever physically challenged. However, he remained the proud outlier, defying the odds, and continued to persevere for 29 years post diagnosis. You did beyond amazing Gary!

Gary will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted loving son, amazing husband, father, brilliant scientist, avid fisherman and resilient wonderful human being. He spoke his mind, challenged the mainstream and had an uncanny wit matched with a wonderful sense of humor. The four letter word, "can't?" was always met with an inquisitive challenge.

We miss you dearly Gary and we will carry your resiliency, passion for life and gratitude for each new day close to our hearts. We love you to infinity.

A memorial Celebration of Life with family and friends was held on Sunday, November 12th, 2017 at the Westlake Village Inn, Lakeside room, Westlake, California. Gary was lovingly united with the sea in a private family ceremony on Monday November 13th, 2017.

For those wishing to carry on Gary's passion for supporting discovery science, promoting curiosity and creativity, donations may be made at: http://discoverycntr.org/donations/your-support-of-steam-is-elemental/ The Discovery Center for Science and Technology, 107 N. Reina Road, #150, Newbury Park, CA 91320. PH: 818 879-2021