JOHN DAVID LIVINGSTON
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John David Livingston of Moose Jaw, SK on Sunday, February 18th, 2024 at the age of 84 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Ida Livingston; parents-in-law, William (Bill) and Lillian Nesbitt; and brother-in-law, William (Bill) Nesbitt. John is survived by his wife, Barb; sons, Michael (Gaylene) and Mark (Tina); daughter, Joanne; grandchildren: Alejandra, Nicholas, Aidan and Madison; brother, Bob; sister, Mary (David) Robb; sister-in-law, Jan Nesbitt; as well as his nephews and nieces: Terry, Brian, Stephen, Peter, Christopher, Terri-Lynn, and Leslie, and their families.
John was born in Moose Jaw on September 1st, 1939, where he lived for the majority of his life, gaining life-long friends, lasting relationships, and a dedication to the community. He attended Alexander and King George Schools and Central Collegiate before moving on to get his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Montana State University, and his Master of Science in Education Psychology from the University of Hawaii. As an educator, John taught Physical Education at Riverview Collegiate, was a High School Counsellor and Vice-Principal at Peacock, and the Superintendent of Curriculum and Programs for the Moose Jaw Public School Division until his retirement in 1994. He continued to be involved in the community as an active member in the Moose Jaw Rotary Club, by serving on Moose Jaw City Council from 1994-97, as well as serving on a number of community committees including: Chairman for Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation, Member of the Municipal Planning Committee, Member of the Moose Jaw Housing Advisory Board, Co-Chair of Sports for the 1996 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Moose Jaw, Chairman of the Moose Jaw Air Show, Member of the Moose Jaw Public School Division Endowment Committee, and President of Athabasca Tower Ltd.
John had a strong appreciation for health and physical fitness, competing and coaching throughout his life. As teenager, John excelled in many sports including swimming, basketball, and football. He continued to play as an adult and devoted years of his life to coaching youth and high school athletes. John was an avid runner and could regularly be seen running through River Park on his daily runs.
Beginning with Ida Livingston, the family had a long affiliation with YM-YWCA. In 1971, John joined the Y Board of Directors where he took the title of President in 1976-78, 1988-89, and 1998-99. John also served on the National YMCA Council as the Saskatchewan Regional YMCA Representative and was the chairman and member of the Saskatchewan YMCA Regional Council. In 2005, the YMCA recognized John’s years of dedication by awarding him the Honorary Lifetime Member Award.
Always the loving husband/parent/grandparent, educator and athlete, John enjoyed following his kids and grandchildren’s growth through their education and various activities. Summers were spent at the family cabins at Buffalo Pound Lake, SK and Mabel Lake, BC; following retirement, Barb and John enjoyed their winters in Arizona and Mexico.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Chateau St. Michael’s for making John’s brief stay very comfortable.
A Celebration of Life will be held for John on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. A private family interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in John’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. John was an outstanding educator and great friend to my parents.
Barb, Michael, Mark, Joanne and Families; It is with sadness that we learned of John’s passing. He was a pillar of our community and gave of himself considerably. We hope all the wonderful memories that you treasure will see you through these difficult days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We send our deepest sympathy to all of his Family.
Deepest sympathy to John’s family. We have know John for many years and and always appreciated his gentlemanly manner. He will be missed . He was an excellent educator and a tireless worker. He was a good colleague. Dale and Marlene McBain
We all hold dear, memories of John. His shared life works have abled, many to acquire their own dreams.
Johns life didn’t just bless his family, but a host of many communities.
His Memory will be Eternal.
John was so helpful for me as a mentor while I was the CEO at the Y. I am so happy we were able to recognize John’ s contribution to the organization. In 2005. He was a great man, and his passing is a huge loss for Moose Jaw.
Barb & family, I’m so sorry for your loss. John was at RVCI when I was a student, and I was a member of the Board of the YM-YWCA when John was there. He set a great example for all with his dedication to health and fitness and his commitment to the community.
I am so saddened to hear of John’s passing.
John’s commitment to education and his exceptional talent in knowing how to deal with people had a profound and lasting effect upon me. He was a man of great intelligence and integrity. I admired him greatly.
He also had a wonderful sense of humour.
Sending my heartfelt condolences
to Barb & her children.
Sorry to hear of John’s passing
So sorry to hear about John’s passing. We enjoyed many winters in Arizona enjoying his and Barb’s company. Many fond memories. He will be missed.
Lynne and Gene Yorke
I am so very sorry for this loss, Mike. Thinking of you and your family.
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
A fine gentleman. A good teacher. An outstanding coach. Thank you John.
Our condolences Mike , Gaylene and family. So hard for you all. Your dad was a true gentleman. Take care
Barb, You and John and brother Bob always made me feel as part of your family whenever we met.
What a treat to have had John as a friend and mentor.
Barry Gunther
John was one of the great guys of our generation in MJ. His passing will leave an empty chair in so many homes.
Barb and family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Please accept my condolences to you and yours.
My sincere condolences to your family. I have many fond memories of John both in school and as friends of our parents, Roy and Starla. You are in our hearts.
Growing up in Moose Jaw I knew John when he was in his teens and we competed against each other in a number of sports. It was obvious even then that he would become a leader in what ever he chose to do.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Larry & Val Munroe & Family,
John was a remarkable man & Great Lake neighbor and will never be forgotten.
We hope that happy memory brings peace and comfort into your lives at this time.
Our sincere condolences Barb & Family.
Sending our sincere sympathy to Barb and Family. John made many outstanding contributions to all generations in Moose Jaw. “A Life Well Lived “ May you find comfort in knowing you were always kind and caring during his earthly days.
Cherish the good Memories. RIP
John was a Gentleman in both sports and Education He will be remembered fondly by Our Family
To Barb Livingston and Family
I was saddened to hear of Johns passing as I cherish many fond memories from our days in Moose Jaw.
Jean and I send our condolences and send our love and friendship at this difficult time. Peter and Jean Whitenect
Barb & family,
Moose Jaw lost a great man, so sad to read of John’s passing. I think back when he was my guidance counsellor at Peacock, and then. having the opportunity to spend so many years at the Board Office with him, and I can attest to what a wonderful gentleman he was. Always had a smile for everyone, an inspiration in many ways, as it wasn’t long ago we seen you both at the MJ track meet. He will be remembered with great respect. Sending hugs your way.
Jan & CAROLYN SWANSON
Barb- Sending sincere condolences to you and your family. John left you with many wonderful memories, I’m sure. He was a great educator as well as a community supporter.
Donna and I would like offer our condolences to Barb, Bob, Mary and family. As a young lad growing up in Moose Jaw, John Livingston was recognized as someone to respect and admire. At that time, it was for his prowess as an athlete, in particular basketball. Later, it was recognition for John as an educator and family man. Over the years, John was an active community member in volunteering his time and expertise. YMCA, Rotary Club, municipal government committees, he was always there to help out. Of course, John was a well respected educator and helped the MJ Public School Division become one of the leaders in innovative practice. Friends, family and community will sorely miss John, but his legacy will remain forever.
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of John Livingston, from an old acquaintance going back to the days when the Livingston family lived on Algoma in Moose Jaw. Rolf Bjordammen, Mississauga Ontario Canada.
To Barb, Mike, Mark, Joanne and family,
I was saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a man of integrity and honour. He contributed greatly to his community and influenced for the better the lives of many young people both as an educator and as a high school coach. May your wonderful memories of him help to sustain you during this time.