Elliott Duwain Whitis of Austin, Texas was born May 16 in Buda, Texas on his parents’ 7th wedding anniversary. He was an opinionated fellow from the outset, being a month late and ten plus pounds.  Growing up with annual family ski trips to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and river trips at Big Bend National Park in Texas on the Rio Grande, Elliott developed a keen eye and expertise for whitewater boating and appreciation for the outdoors.

In high school, Elliott had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand. He graduated from the Academy at Hays in 2006 and was working towards his journeyman electrician’s license and an associate science degree at Austin Community College.

Elliott loved green spaces, nurturing plants, working out, running, biking, and spending quality time with the people he loved.  Distinguished by an exceptionally strong physical presence; early childhood gymnastics fostered a lifetime of dexterity and strength. Confident and flexible in many challenging environments, he knew how to share laughter and his warm hugs were unparalleled.

On November 1, 2016 Elliott died in a car accident at the age of 28 leaving enormous holes in the hearts and lives of his friends, his parents, Barbara Vinson and Duwain Whitis of Buda, Texas, his sisters Leah and Grace Whitis and his beloved nephew, Phineas Jeremy Wing of Milton Mills, New Hampshire.  Please wear your seatbelt.

Private service and cremation, as per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to sustainablefoodcenter.org.