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Robert M. Livingston

December 31, 1919 - July 21, 2013
Portage, MI

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Visitation

Friday, July 26, 2013
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Portage Location
5975 Lovers Lane
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 344-5600
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, July 27, 2013
10:00 AM EDT
Portage South Cemetery
S. Westnedage at Osterhout Road
Portage, MI 49002

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Robert Livingston Scholarship
c/o Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation
6767 West O Avenue, MI 49003-4
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

VanderSalm's Flipse
1120 S. Burdick
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(800) 232-7134
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Although his life was filled with so many blessings, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Robert Livingston than his family. He was pleased to witness his family grow to include the loved ones who made him so very proud. Bob had a quick wit coupled with a great sense of humor and an unwavering optimism that made him so much fun to be around. His life is a reminder that it is through the love we share with those around us that defines our character.

The year 1919 is often recalled as the year that saw the end of WWI. It ushered in the decade of the Roaring Twenties when prosperity was a dominant force. It was during this same year, on the last day of the year, in fact, that a young couple from New York City, New York, was pleased to announce the arrival of their baby boy. Robert Melvin was one of five children born to his parents, John and Margaret (Melvin) Livingston, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings. Eventually the Livingston family settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was a student at local schools including John Burroughs High School.

After graduating from high school, Bob attended a fifth year at Taft in Connecticut. This proved to be a momentous time in his life as it was while there that he met the young woman who stole his heart. Her name was Margaret Desier Jatho, or Desi as she was known, and they were introduced by Bob’s friend (Desi’s brother).

On December 7, 1941, the landscape of our future was changed in an instant with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bob entered the Navy during this time of great need and served honorably. With his military duties fulfilled, he attended college at Bowdoin in Brunswick, Maine, earning his bachelor’s degree. From there he went to Ann Arbor, earning his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan.

It was during Bob’s years as a young man that his romance with Desi grew. With a desire to establish a life together they were married while he was at Bowdoin College. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home: Stephanie, Vicki, Robert II and John. As a salesman in fine chemicals, Bob moved his family from New York to Chicago, and they eventually settled in Kalamazoo Michigan, where he remained for the rest of his life. He initially worked for Koppers in New York, and then Stepan in Chicago, but he eventually settled in at Upjohn in Kalamazoo until he retired later in life.

Life became more difficult for Bob and his loved ones with the death of Desi in 1978. The days that followed were very hard for Bob. He was again given a difficult turn of events when his son, Robert, died in the mid-eighties.

There were so many things that enriched Bob’s life throughout his entire journey, but there was nothing that was closer to his heart than spending time with his family. He was always loving with his children and later his grandchildren and great-grandson, and he was their biggest supporter in everything they did. Bob loved “Tiernanog” ( Irish for mystical land beyond the edges of the map ) a name given by his parents to property they bought that was just north of Saugatuck. Bob enjoyed Tiernanog as a teenager up through his adult life with his family and friends. Bob and his family also loved Sanibel Island in Florida and regularly vacationed there for many years. Bob loved music and was a drummer that played big band music in his college years. He was a fan of big band music especially Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and later in life jazz oriented music such as Vince Guaraldi. As his friends and family can attest, it was rare to see Bob without a book as he was a voracious reader. Mysteries were his favorite reading material, especially the series from John D. MacDonald. He and his son-in-law, Mike, frequently swapped books. He also kept his mind sharp with crossword puzzles.

As Bob entered into his nineties, he continued to embrace the days he was given. He remained positive and optimistic when he moved into Borgess Gardens in August of 2012. Bob even called his room there his apartment. Even as his health declined his warm demeanor remained intact.

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Robert Livingston created a brilliant mosaic of memories that will remain a lasting treasure for his loved ones. He was a hardworking man, yet he also took the time to enjoy life along the way. Times were not always easy for Bob, but he was accompanied by a quiet strength that helped him persevere. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Robert M. Livingston, of Portage, died July 21, 2013, at Borgess Gardens. Bob is survived by his children, Stephanie (Mike) Collins, Vicki (Steve) Carow, and John ( Marlene) Livingston; grandchildren, Jeff (Jennifer) Collins, Lindsay Collins (Fiancé Paul Mayer) Brian Carow, Caroline Carow, and Anna Carow; great-grandson, Damian Mabry- Carow; and sister, Ann Steding. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Desi” Desier Livingston; and his son, Robert M. Livingston II. Visit with Bob’s family on Friday, July 26th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Portage South Cemetery (S. Westnedge at Osterhout). Please visit Bob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign the guestbook.

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