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 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com