John G. Elliott

Happy belated birthday Allen.
I noted your occupation as a "River (boat?) Captain" and it made me wonder about all those years ago when we were in classes together at McKinley School. Did I ever tell you about my grandfather, Roy Elliott, who was Lockmaster at Granite City (and during WWII Lockmaster at Alton)? He, my grandmother (Wilma Elliott, who we had as a substitute teacher from time to time), and Betty Burt (our 5th grade teacher) were social friends. I think we might have had a 5th grade field trip to the Granite City Locks with Mrs. Burt. Regardless, I do remember visiting the locks when "Pappy" was still working for the Corps of Engineers until 1969. If we didn't visit the Granite City Locks as kids, I'll bet you navigated through them many times with watercraft. Hope all is well with you and your family. You always look good in photos.
Johnny Elliott

Happy Birthday Claire!
I was watching some of the 2022 Olympic Curling Trials while working out the other day. I still don't know much about the sport, but I can see how much skill and balance is required to throw(?) a stone (toward the house?). The next time I see you I will ask for a curling tutorial from a veteran.
Hope all is well with you and your family.
What do you say to sign off, "Slide On Sister"?
-- Johnny

To Mary Jane's family and friends -- I am so sorry to learn of her passing in April and of your great loss.  She and I went back to at least the 4th grade at McKinley School as classmates.  We had a really nice conversation at the AHS 50th Reunion that led to subsequent email and birthday greeting exchanges.  Her birthday was just 8 days ago and I sent her a birthday greeting, not knowing of her passing.  Now I know why she didn't respond.  Mary Jane, you lived a good life; rest in peace my friend. -- Johnny Elliott

Happy Birthday Mary Jane. I hope you have a great day today and that things are going well for you. -- je

Hey Becky -- Happy Birthday!
You (and I) have celebrated alot of bitrthdays since we were first classmates in Mrs Kirsch's 2nd grade class. I hope this one (#70, really?) was a good one for you. -- Johnny

Posted on: May 03, 2021 at 9:56 AM

Happy birthday old man. You got to 70 before me. I
'm not old yet, but there is no way to slice and dice 70 as being anything but ancient!

Hope you had a good birthday today "O" and that all is good with you and your family.

Hi Bridget -- Today and every day, I hope you are being celebrated by the ones you love and who love you back. Happy Birthday, Johnny Elliott

To Gerry,

  I've known you since West Junior and as a classmate at AHS.  I have known you as a teammate on the track team and as an athlete who inspired me with your talent.  After high school, we only had contact at school reunions, but the last time we met (2014?) it felt like we re-opened a channel of friendship.  I misssed seeing you at the 2019 reunion and I'm sorry I won't have that opportunity again.

To Gerry's Family, my deepest sympathies.

   Your dear son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather has only left this place.  But Gerry is running again, running with the ancestors.  He is running and he is running fast.  Free from these earthly bonds.  Run fast Scooter!  There is an open field ahead.

-- Johnny Elliott