Robert Jesse "Corky" Elliott

Robert Jesse Elliott, known to everyone as "Corky," passed away on March 18, 2026, at Hoag hospital in Newport Beach after a short courageous battle with cancer. He was 82 years old. Born on November 6, 1943, in Santa Ana, California, Corky lived a full and remarkable life that touched countless people along the way.

Corky dedicated his career to law enforcement and public service. He began as a police officer for Newport Beach before joining the California Highway Patrol, where he served as a motor officer for 28 years. During his time with the CHP, he was selected for a special detail escorting President Reagan and other presidents during their visits to California. After retiring from the patrol, he spent another 14 years as a fraud investigator for Mercury Insurance, proving that slowing down was never really his style.

It was during his CHP days that Corky pulled over a woman named Sally and wrote her a ticket. That traffic stop turned into a love story spanning 45 years of marriage. He never tired of telling people it was the best ticket he ever wrote, and anyone who knew Corky heard that story more than once, always delivered with that signature grin.

Corky was proud of his heritage, including being one-quarter Native California Indian. He served as a first responder for the Navy/Marine Mars ham radio operators and was an active member of both the American Legion and the Elks, often visiting different Elk lodges as he and Sally traveled the country in their motorhome. He loved collecting coins, reloading ammunition, spending time at the shooting range, and caring for the many dogs he and Sally welcomed into their home over the years.

More than anything, Corky had a gift for making people laugh. He always had a joke ready, a funny story to share, or a gentle tease that would light up the room. He brightened every space he walked into and was genuinely liked by all who met him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Elliott; his son, Don Elliott Kuhn and wife Katie; his daughter, Sherrie E. Strickland; his son, Michael Strickland and wife Sydney; and his grandchildren, Connor Kuhn, Matthew Kuhn, Bodhi Edwards, Luke Strickland, and Sienna Strickland.

May he find peace and rest in God's loving care. A memorial service will be forthcoming this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a laugh with someone today, just the way Corky would have wanted.