Ray C. Elliot; Former Credit Bureau Owner

Longtime Ventura resident Ray C. Elliot died Friday at his home after a short illness. He was 80.

Elliot was born Oct. 22, 1918, in Hastings, England. His father, a Canadian soldier, met his mother in England during World War I.

The family moved to Toronto when Elliot was an infant. Elliot attended Canadian schools before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force at the start of World War II.

He fought in England for five years as an air gunner for night bombings over Germany. For the length of service and exemplary duty, Elliot was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.

In 1944, Elliot married Gwenda Carroll. In 1953, the couple moved from Toronto to California and then settled in the Ventura Keys in 1967.

Elliot owned and operated several offices of Affiliated Credit Bureaus in Oxnard. He later sold the business, which is now Accounts Adjustment Bureau.

He was active in numerous service organizations, including Kiwanis, Rotary and Elks. He enjoyed fishing.

His family said Elliot was a mentor to employees, family members and friends. He was described as having a good sense of humor and being very generous with his time and money.

In addition to his wife, Elliot is survived by two brothers, Derick of Newport Beach and Frank of Monrovia; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home in Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elliot’s name can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Ventura.

Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.