Following in his father's footsteps, he first donated in Melbourne when he was about 18 and had not long started work.
He remembers when he came to WA and was working in West Perth and would donate whenever the hospital needed.
"If there was an emergency, they used to call me and ask if I could be there in 30 minutes," he said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWNow 81, he continues to donate plasma at the William Street donor centre, using the trip as a reason to visit the CBD on a regular basis.
As part of National Blood Donor Week earlier this year, Mr Ellis was among 500 blood donors in Perth recognised by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service for making a milestone blood donation during the year.
They were honoured at a ceremony at the University of WA's Winthrop Hall.
"It was a nice idea," Mr Ellis said. �It was encouraging and nice of them to show their appreciation and thanks.
"I think it would have also helped to get more awareness to the general public."
He said he would continue to donate for as long as he was allowed.
"One donation helps three people," he said.