Obituary of William Livingston

LIVINGSTON, William Ross On a beautiful summer day, in full view of scenic Lake Muskoka from his beloved cottage, and surrounded by his family, God came for the soul of Bill Livingston. Bill fought a courageous battle with cancer of the esophagus, and died on August 5, 2007 in his 85th year. Dearly loved and loving husband of Joan for 59 years, and cherished father of Bob (Laurel), Brian (Michele) and Anne (Stan). Middle son of Charles and Gladys Livingston, and brother to Stuart and the late Charles Livingston. Devoted Grandad, GaGa and coach of his nine grandsons (the "BB Team") Michael, Ted, Blair, Jack, Tim, Patrick, Matthew, Andrew and David who were his pride and joy. He will be missed by his favourite dog Piper. Bill's life led him from his birthplace in Toronto, through the University of Toronto Schools and to the University of Toronto. He joined the army and participated in the liberation of the Netherlands. After the war, marriage to Joan Vanstone brought a wonderful life filled with family and career memories. Right to the end, Bill kept his sense of humour and sincere thoughtfulness for others. He was known for his strong integrity and commitment to the community through a lifetime of volunteering. He served on many boards, including Bellwood Health Services, Princess Margaret Hospital, Canadian Blood Services, The Scott Mission and The Conservation Foundation. He lived life to the fullest and in return was enriched with a loving family, many dear friends and several caring communities that will miss him beyond measure. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15th. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, to be determined in early September. In lieu of flowers, Bill would welcome contributions to The Scott Mission, 502 Spadina Ave., Toronto M5S 2H1 or The Conservation Foundation, 5 Shoreham Dr., Downsview, M3N 1S4 or the charity of your choice. Thank you to Doctors Hebert, Wong and Simone, all their nurses and receptionists, and CCAC Muskoka (especially Inge, Nancy, Laura, Robbie and Julie) for their tremendous support and compassion. Special thanks to wife, Joan and daughter, Anne for all their help in making Bill's wishes possible. Just before he died, he was reminded that all the family was with him now, just as they had been together 40 years earlier when the cottage was built. His last words to his family were "God bless all of you".