Elliott Gangluff was a dynamic and passionate individual whose life was marked by a deep love for his family, friends, and the pursuits that brought him joy. Born in Carmichael, California, and raised in Folsom before moving to Houston in 1993, Elliott’s journey was one of growth, adventure, and unwavering commitment to the things he loved.
A proud graduate of The Woodlands High School, Elliott earned his BSBA from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. He later completed his MBA at Pepperdine University in 2020, cementing his dedication to personal and professional excellence.
Elliott’s life was defined by his adventurous spirit and diverse passions. From snowboarding at the age of three to his lifelong love for soccer and basketball, he embraced every opportunity to live fully. His dedication to snowboarding made him a familiar face on the slopes, while his devotion to soccer took him across the globe, including a memorable trip to Paris to see Real Madrid win the Champions League in 2022.
Music was another cornerstone of Elliott’s life. A self-taught guitarist with an impressive collection of vintage guitars and vinyl records, Elliott poured his heart into learning and sharing music. His admiration for the Red Hot Chili Peppers often found him in the front row at their concerts, fully immersed in the soundscapes he adored.
Professionally, Elliott thrived as the Director of Accounting at Westlake Financial in Los Angeles. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and exceptional work ethic, he inspired colleagues and left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.
Elliott’s warmth extended beyond his accomplishments. He was a devoted son, a caring brother, and a doting uncle to his newborn nephew, Geoffrey. His love for his family and friends was unwavering, and he treasured every gathering, whether it was a holiday celebration, a family ski trip, or cheering on his favorite sports teams—the Astros, Rockets, and Real Madrid.
Elliott’s legacy is one of passion, love, and an unrelenting commitment to living life to the fullest. His family continues to honor his memory by supporting causes close to his heart, such as the Harmony Project, a nonprofit providing music education to at-risk youth.
Elliott Gangluff’s vibrant life and enduring impact serve as a testament to the power of embracing what you love and cherishing the people who matter most.
How do you begin to describe Elliott’s essence to someone who may not have known him?
Elliott was a dynamic presence, someone who brought remarkable energy and passion to everything he touched. Whether it was playing the guitar, traveling the world, or spending time with his family, he approached life with an unmatched enthusiasm that made every moment memorable.
He had a genuine commitment to the things he loved, and it was evident in the way he carried himself. His love for his career at Westlake Financial, his music, and his passion for snowboarding radiated through his actions, his words, and the way he connected with others. Elliott’s energy was infectious, and people were naturally drawn to his vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to what mattered most to him.
You’ve described Elliott’s personality as someone who lived life to the fullest. What does that mean to you?
Living life to the fullest perfectly captures Elliott’s approach to everything he did. To me, it means embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm, focus, and an open heart. Elliott truly embodied that. He had an incredible drive that wasn’t just about intensity—it was deeply inspiring to everyone around him.
For example, he started snowboarding at the age of three. While most kids are just learning to find their footing, Elliott was already determined to master the slopes. That adventurous spirit stayed with him throughout his life, whether he was carving through powder or tackling challenges in his career. Snowboarding wasn’t just something he did—it was something he explored, perfected, and shared with others.
This same zest for life extended to his relationships. Elliott was fully present in every moment, whether it was a holiday dinner, a family ski trip, or a simple hangout with friends. He had a way of making every interaction meaningful, showing just how much he valued the people in his life.
Elliott had such a rich connection to music. How did that shape him as a person?
Music was more than just a hobby for Elliott; it was a language he used to express himself. He was self-taught on the guitar, which in itself shows his dedication. I remember him spending hours ordering music sheets of his favorite songs, practicing them until he got them just right. He didn’t just want to play—he wanted to feel every note.
He adored the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We always joked that he was their number one fan. He even managed to get pit seats at their concerts, which was such a thrill for him. But beyond just listening, Elliott saw music as a way to connect. He loved sharing his passion for it, whether it was playing guitar at family gatherings or introducing someone to a new band he’d discovered.
After his passing, we decided to support the Harmony Project in his name because it felt so fitting. The organization’s mission—to bring music and mentorship to at-risk youth—resonates with Elliott’s love for both music and uplifting others. It’s a way for his love of music to continue inspiring lives.
Elliott was also an avid traveler and sports enthusiast. How did those passions intersect with his personality?
Travel and sports were such natural extensions of who Elliott was. He was always curious, always looking for the next adventure. He spent a semester in Madrid during college, which was a transformative experience for him. Not only did he perfect his Spanish, but he also deepened his love for soccer.
Madrid is where his passion for Real Madrid began. He followed their matches religiously and even traveled to Paris to witness their Champions League victory in 2022. That trip was such a highlight for him. Seeing his team lift the championship trophy was a dream come true.
Elliott also had this incredible connection to skiing and snowboarding. Every family ski trip became a cherished memory because of his enthusiasm. He was the first one on the slopes and the last one off. Whether it was sports, travel, or music, Elliott approached everything with the same vigor and love for life.
What role did Elliott’s professional life play in shaping his legacy?
Elliott genuinely loved his job as Director of Accounting at Westlake Financial. He wasn’t just good at what he did—he was passionate about it. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious. His colleagues often mentioned how he brought life to every meeting and project.
More than that, Elliott had a way of making people feel valued. He wasn’t just a coworker; he was a mentor and a friend. His ability to connect with people was one of his greatest gifts, and it’s part of why his professional legacy is so meaningful.
We’ve received letters from his colleagues, and they all highlight the same things: his kindness, his commitment, and the way he inspired everyone around him. It’s deeply comforting to know he made such a lasting impact, even in his workplace.
How have Elliott’s passions shaped the way your family is honoring his memory?
One of the biggest ways is through the Harmony Project. Supporting music education for at-risk youth felt like the perfect tribute. Elliott believed in the transformative power of music, and now, through this organization, his love for it will continue to make a difference.
We’re also keeping his adventurous spirit alive. Every time we go on a ski trip or watch a Real Madrid match, we feel his presence with us. It’s bittersweet, but it’s also beautiful. It’s a way of staying connected to him.
If you could share one lesson from Elliott’s life, what would it be?
Live with your whole heart. That’s what Elliott did, and it’s what he inspires us to do every day. He taught us the value of wholehearted commitment—pursuing what you love and cherishing the people around you.
Elliott showed us that life is about the moments you create and the connections you nurture. Whether through music, sports, travel, or simply spending time with loved ones, the key is to bring passion and presence to everything you do.
How do you hope people remember Elliott when they learn about his life?
I hope they see Elliott as someone who lived fully and loved deeply. He was a devoted son, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and an inspiring colleague. But more than that, he was someone who brought joy and energy into every room he walked into.
He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable or passionate. He embraced life with open arms, and he shared that energy with everyone around him. If people remember him as someone who was passionate with everything he loved, then we’ve done justice to his legacy.
Elliott Gangluff’s life was one of passion, dedication, and love. Through his music, adventures, and relationships, he touched countless lives. And as his family continues to honor his memory, his legacy lives on—not just in the hearts of those who knew him but in every life his story inspires.