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BORN
1946
DIED
2020
Erwin Elliston Obituary
Erwin Bruce Elliston, 73, died February 11, 2020, after a sudden illness while traveling in the Philippines, where he was grateful to visit and share his boundless love.
Bruce was born on April 8, 1946, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Margaret and M.B. Elliston. He is survived by his beloved wife, Melba Elliston; his children, Jon and his wife Jen and their daughter Jude; Brian and his wife Laurie; Joel; and Jennifer; along with his brothers, Leon and Roger, and their families. For 43 years, he was married to his first wife, the beloved and late Judy Whitman Elliston, who shared Bruce's love for their children.
Bruce received his bachelor's degree from Southern Missionary College in Tennessee and went on to complete a medical degree at Loma Linda University in California and a residency at Duke University in North Carolina. In 1975, he became the first faculty member of the Mountain Area Health Education Center, in Asheville, where he subsequently founded the Asheville Family Health Centers and cofounded multiple other wellness enterprises. Along the way, he served as a volunteer and leader of organizations including the Asheville Rotary Club, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, the North Carolina Arboretum, the Nature Conservancy, and the Henry's Fork Foundation, among others. He delighted in family, partnerships, photography, sports, fly fishing, travel, farming, and the splendor and protection of nature.
He was a lifelong caregiver and doctor, and an anchor for Asheville's caring community. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to Pisgah Legal Services, one of the myriad organizations where he served as a board member.
Bruce will be memorialized at Central United Methodist Church, at 27 Church St. in Asheville, on Monday, February 24, at 11 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erwin Elliston
Howard Aldrich
March 2, 2020
Bruce was a great friend and he & I fished together in Montana & the Catskills. He was generous & kind and a pleasure to hang out with. And the man could catch fish! Trout, in particular
Brenda Walker
February 23, 2020
His kindness will never be forgotten. Peace.
John and Connie Knight
February 21, 2020
Bruce was my doctor until he retired. I use to play in certain golf tournaments with him and he was a great person to be around. We lost a true gentleman. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Crawford
February 21, 2020
I worked with Dr. Elliston in the late '80's. He was a wonderful physician and his patients adored him. I'm sorry for your loss and will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Johnston
February 20, 2020
A special doctor who helped many people. Thanks to his family for sharing him with the community!
February 20, 2020
Dr.Elliston was a great man! I I enjoyed working for him for many years. He was always so kind and sweet! Prayers for his family during this time! Kristy
David Kidder
February 20, 2020
"Such an entrepreneurial
spirit and kind heart. He will be missed."
Stephanie Willis
February 20, 2020
Such a wonderful doctor and person! He will be missed.
Rebecca Tolbert
February 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man who did so much for our medical community and other organizations in our community. May God give you comfort in your time of grief!
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