Dennis Hall Elliott

Dennis Hall Elliott JD ’74 passed away January 2, 2021, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Dennis was born October 31, 1946, to James and Holly Elliott in Newport News, Virginia, on a military base. The family settled in Placerville, California, where Dennis was raised with his older brother, Jay, and younger brother, Mark. He attended Pomona College and joined the Vista Corps in Chicago during the Vietnam War before earning his law degree.

As a young man, Dennis was an accomplished basketball, football, and baseball player and grew to be an avid marathoner. He also loved to play the guitar, write music, and lead a sing-along around the campfire. On April 5, 1980, he married Leila Sher, the love of his life, best friend, and world travel partner. Together they created a loving, blended family that enjoyed pickle ball, backyard baseball, the trails of Tryon Creek State Natural Area, swimming, and camping and skiing in the mountains of Oregon and California.

Throughout his 40 years of private practice in business litigation, Dennis loved learning from his clients and excelled at considering other points of view. His extensive volunteer and community work included service as president of the Lake Oswego High School Foundation, coach of many youth teams, and longtime board member of the Parry Center for Children.

The house Dennis and Leila built was a home away from home for their entire community. Everyone loved Dennis’ dry, quiet humor and his laser-quick puns. His natural approach was to complement rather than compete, exhibiting a kindness and patience that drew universal love and respect. He made everyone around him better.

Dennis is survived by his children Jackson, Travis, Tyler, Jessica, Brett, and Match; 16 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother Jay; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.