Richard (Dick) Elwell

Richard (Dick) Elwell, 81, died Sunday, August 4, 2013 in his WillowBrooke Court residence at Lanier Village Estates, Gainesville, GA.

Born in Chicago, IL, Dick graduated from Oak Park High School in Oak Park, IL. Beyond high school Dick got his education at Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO; at Lawrence College in Appleton, WI; and at the Evanston, IL campus of Northwestern University. All this schooling earned Dick a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Beyond that he took post-graduate night courses at Northwestern University's Chicago campus.

Dick, an Army Veteran, received his Basic Training at Fort Riley, KS. He then went to Army Security Agency (ASA) School at Fort Devens, MA. Dick was a Sergeant in the ASA from 1953-56 and served at Fort Bragg, NC, Camp Momioma in Japan and Camp Shulinko in Taiwan. His last position was as a Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Radio Traffic Analysis Section of the 327th Communications Reconnaissance Company.

Dick began his career as an Advertising Assistant at Admiral Corporation in Chicago. Then he became Marketing Manager with Teledyne Big Beam, first in Chicago and then in Crystal Lake, IL. Dick also served as officer and consultant with small machine tool, printing and publishing companies.

Dick's hobbies and interests included hunting, golf, dog training, and radio-controlled car racing. He was a member of Mu Theta Nu (Mathatropian Literary Society), the oldest local social fraternity west of the Mississippi River. Dick was Director, Vice President and Hall of Fame member of the Crystal Lake Jaycees. He was also Vice President of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce and President of its Manufacturers Division.

Most recently, Dick was hospital and internet visitor of Mended Hearts, Inc. an open-heart surgery support system. For years Dick was a faithful Mended Hearts volunteer at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville.

Dick nourished his faith at First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL, where he was Chairman of the Board. After moving to Gainesville, Dick joined St. Paul United Methodist Church. As a resident in WillowBrooke Court, Dick was faithful to attend the Chaplain's weekly WillowBrooke worship services.

Dick and Jane were Pioneer Residents of Lanier Village Estates, the first to live at 3743 Dove Cove Circle, moving in on May 7, 2001. Dick was on the original editorial committee that launched the first issue of The Village Voice. He was also a faithful member of the Men's Coffee Group.

Dick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Cuddeback Elwell; his son, Richard David Elwell of Machesney Park, IL; his daughter, Laura Elwell Kunold of Elgin, IL and his granddaughter, Stephanie Allison Kunold.

Cremation arrangements are through Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel in Gainesville. Dick's ashes will be inurned in the family plot at a cemetery in the environs of Oak Park, IL.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770.297.6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.