Michael Joseph Elliott

MICHAEL JOSEPH ELLIOTT, age 80, passed away at Thistleway, his home in Bush, on Tuesday, February 20 after a valiant struggle with cancer. Funeral services will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Saturday, March 3, 2018 with visitation from 12:00-2:00 PM and a Celebration of Life service at 2:00, followed by interment in the Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. The son of the late Henry A. Elliott, Sr. and Eunice Kenney Elliott, Michael was predeceased by his parents, brother Henry A. Elliott, Jr., his first wife Nora Fulton Elliott and his brother-in-law John Fulton. He is survived by his wife, Christyn Raby Wise Elliott and stepson, Cameron Michael Raby Wise, as well as his brother-in-law Barry Fulton (Linda) and sister-in-law Sandra Fulton Arthur (Howard) in England, four Raby brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael was a 1955 graduate of John McDonough High School, where he played in the marching band. After a year of college, he joined the US Air Force and served in France and London, England where he met Nora, his wife of 50 years. After returning to the US, he and Nora lived many years in the French Quarter, where he worked at Godchaux’s and Gentlemen’s Quarter. During that time, he joined the New Orleans Opera Chorus, appearing in several operas in the city. After moving to Bush in the late 1970’s, Michael farmed for a time, and his life-long love of dogs led to the establishment of Thisleway Kennels, raising English Labrador Retrievers. Michael became interested in learning CPR, which led to an instructor’s certification, then his certification as an EMT. He served with the Bush Fifth Ward Volunteer Fire Department as a medic and was also President of the volunteer group under Fire Chief Kim Shepherd. Finding he enjoyed the medical field, Michael attended Sullivan Vocational-Technical Institute, earning his LPN degree in 1983. He worked at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, then as an itinerant nurse with Advantage Nursing. Retiring in 2002, he worked as a volunteer with St. Tammany Hospital Guild in the Escort Service transporting patients, earning over 3000 hours.

He and Nora were worldwide travelers, visiting countries on every continent except Antarctica, as well as many visits to their family and friends in England and Scotland. During his young adult years, Michael became immersed in his Scottish heritage, and it was to be a life-long avocation. He served as drum major for 35 years with three different area bagpipe bands, leading them in countless Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades. Michael was a charter member of the Caledonian Society of New Orleans, serving as President three separate times, and a co-founder in the revival of the St. Andrew Society of Louisiana. He was also a member of the Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge. In 1977, he was one of three US Regional Officers in the founding of the Elliot Clan Society both in Scotland and in the USA and served as Louisiana Commissioner of Elliot Clan Society USA until his death. In 2007, Michael was the Honored Guest representing Clan Elliot at the Louisiana Highland Games and was Honorary Drum Major at the 10th Annual Louisiana Highland Games in 2015. Michael was an excellent Scottish Country Dancer for all his adult life. He had a strong interest in Heraldry, presenting several programs on the subject at New Orleans Museum of Art and various Highland Games, and using his artistic talents to produce both painted and carved clan items. In his later adult years, Michael explored his Irish roots through several trips with Danny O’Flaherty to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The Celtic and medical community has lost a dear friend and advocate and will remember Michael with great love and respect. His keen wit, elegant style and joie de vivre was appreciated by all who knew him. The passing of such a man as Michael should not go unheralded. According to his wishes, there will be a toast to Michael’s immortal spirit at 1:45 PM in the parlor at the conclusion of visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Tammany Hospital Foundation (Nicole Suhre - email [email protected] or go to sthfoundation.org) or Hospice Specialists of Louisiana at 19405 Helenberg Road, Suite 201, Covington, LA 70433.