| Notater |
- It is with great sadness that the family of Don Duane Elliott announces his passing on Friday, December 19, 2014. He passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.
Don was born on July 13, 1937 to Clarence and Dorothy Elliott Ingebrigtson in Duluth, Minnesota. The family moved to California in 1942, and Don settled in Ventura County in 1968. After graduating from Colusa High School, Don entered the United States Marine Corps. He became a distinguished Rifle Expert, the Company Designated Marksman, and competed on the Camp Pendleton Match Team. Don received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps; and continued his education at Yuba College, Ventura College, University of Louisville and Cal Lutheran University. He then completed a year of service with the California Department of Fish and Game.
Don joined the Oxnard Police Department in 1969, and in 1973, he was promoted to the rank of Detective. He worked in all phases of the Investigations Bureau, but had a unique ability as a homicide detective. Don was elected President of the Tri-Counties Investigators Association for 3 consecutive terms, President of the Tri-Counties Chapter of PORAC for two years, and served on many advisory boards. Don served for many years as a homicide investigator, and has been regarded for decades as the driving force for the Ventura County Police and Sheriff's Reserve Officer Academy, from which literally thousands officers and deputies in this county started their careers. Don served the Oxnard Police Department as an officer until his retirement in 1996, and his service to the Reserve Academy program until 2013.
Among his many awards, Don was twice nominated - and in 1992 earned - the distinction of Oxnard Police Department's Officer of the Year. He received the Oxnard Police Chief's Award of Excellence in 2013. He also received special honors at last December's Ventura County Reserve Officer of the Year event, for his decades of distinguished service.
He is survived by his loving family, wife Karen, son Don, Jr. and partner George, daughters Cynthia, and Heather and her husband Greg, and grandchildren Winter and Tyson.
Don will be remembered for his devotion to the law enforcement community, incredible work ethic and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Published in Ventura County Star from Dec. 23 to Dec. 26, 2014
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