JAMES LEIGH LIVINGSTON

The family of James Livingston is sad to announce the sudden passing of a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend on June 15, 2005 in Colins, Ont.
Jim was born Aug. 8, 1947 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Irvin and Helen (Sisco) Livingston.
Jim met his wife, Natalie Batog, in Thunder Bay, Ont. while they were attending university. They were married on Aug. 31, 1969 in Geraldton, Ont. and made their home in Dryden, Ont., where they were blessed with three sons, Paxton-Leigh (Erin) Livingston of Calgary, Alta., and Craig James (Gabriela) Livingston and Christopher Michael Livingston, both of Mississauga, Ont.
Jim and Natalie also have two grandchildren, Marcela Jennifer of Mississauga, Ont. and Rowan Leigh of Calgary, Alta.
Also surviving are his brothers, Dan (Carol) Livingston of Fort Frances, Ont. and Bert (Carol) of Thompson, Man.; and sister, Gail Fulford of Fort Frances, Ont.
Jim also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins across Canada and the United States.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Irvin and Helen Livingston; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Luba and Mike Batog; and brother-in-law, Ralph Fulford.
Jim was born and raised in Fort Frances, attending Robert Moore School and graduating from Fort Frances High School. Jim followed in his parents’ footsteps as his chosen profession was teaching. He graduated from Lakehead University and Teacher’s College in Thunder Bay.
As a kid, he made many happy memories at his Uncle Paul Sisco’s farm in Stratton, Ont., riding on calves (which was not supposed to be done), hunting and “helping” with haying, milking, and doing all the other chores that to a town kid seemed like fun.
Jim and Natalie enjoyed weekends and summer vacations with their three sons on Cedar Lake and later at Thunder Lake at their cabin. Jim always had a new tale to proudly tell of adventures shared with Paxton, Craig, and Chris, which included building, fishing, and boating.
He picked up his love of science and nature, including geology and prospecting, from his father, Irvin, and passed it on to his sons and so many students over the years.
He loved passing on his knowledge and experience to students across Northwestern Ontario and no matter what the required curriculum, Jim always managed to find a way to include science and nature.
His students often were treated to field trips which included rock-hunting, looking for fossils, and identifying plants, animals, and insects.
Jim had an entrepreneurial spirit, which included many successful years in the restaurant, car rental, consulting, and other business ventures.
Jim got enjoyment from “fixing stuff” using fiberglass. This included re-enforcing his sons’ hockey sticks for big slapshots to snowmachines and boats. He would be right in on the action helping with the aerodynamics of the boys’ go-carts.
Jim enjoyed the last 10 years working in various northern communities in both teacher and principal roles. He enjoyed the “wonderful quiet of the north and the soothing sound of trains passing by gave a feeling of comforting contact”—no matter how remote the community.
With his TV and computer, Jim also enjoyed keeping up with the latest world news and events, science and politics, and passed it on to his students. He loved to share his thoughts and opinions with friends and family via e-mail when he was fortunate enough to have access.
“If I had only known the north was this great, I would have moved here years ago.”
Cremation has taken place in Thunder Bay, and a private family service and celebration of his life was held Saturday, June 25, 2005 at his niece Kim McMahon’s cabin at Clearwater Lake, near Emo, Ont.
Jim will greatly be missed by all his family, co-workers, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to “The James Livingston Memorial Scholarship Fund,” which will be used to aid northern students furthering their education.
Donations can be sent c/o Paxton Livingston, 318 Coventry Rd., NE, Calgary, Alta., T3K 5K5.