Neil Elkins

Mr. Neil Patrick Elkins, 58, of Fairfield, PA, died Friday, October 6, 2017 at his home with Linda, his wife of 35 years, by his side.

Born May 11, 1959 in Frederick, he was the son of Corinthia Y. (Wood) Elkins of Baltimore, MD and the late Charles J. Elkins of Savannah, GA.

Neil worked in parts and sales with Beckley's Camping Center for over 14 years. A Civil War buff, Neil studied and spent more than 6 years as a tour guide for Gettysburg Battlefield Tours. Prior to that, Neil and his wife Linda owned and operated Appalachian Aviaries. Although Neil was not a hunter, he enjoyed pistol and rifle target shooting both competitively and for fun. He was a loyal Baltimore Ravens fan. Neil loved off-roading in his Jeep and 4-wheeler. He enjoyed a camping brotherhood of close friends in Nebraska for over 20 years.

Neil was a 32ᵒ Master Mason raised at the Acacia Lodge #155 in Thurmont, MD. He especially enjoyed spending time with his niece, Diana, Mike and their children, Leif and River.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by a sister, Jobette (Joby) L. Elkins.

A celebration of his life will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Beckley's Camping Center, 11109 Angleberger Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788.

In honor of his love for animals and his pets, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue, 320 Zoo Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320 at www.eastcoastexoticrescue.org; or the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County at www.awlfc.org.

Arrangements are with Stauffer Funeral Home, Thurmont, and Stauffer Crematory, Inc. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.