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Robert L. Livingston Chignik, AK QCWA # 29696 Chapter 92 |
World War II veteran Robert L. Livingston, age 84, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2011 in Vancouver, Washington with his sister and brother at his side.
Robert was born on May 26, 1927 in Independence, Kansas. At age 18, he joined the US Army, first working as a machine gunner and later as a radio repairman. Bob arrived in Alaska in 1947. One day a young Aleut nurse named Annabelle, working at the Cordova Hospital, looked out of the window and saw a handsome soldier walking by. Annabelle said, "That man is going to be my husband!" The US military, frowning on soldiers marrying Native women, shipped Bob to Cold Bay, approximately 800 miles away. Bob went AWOL, and before too long the wedding bells rang. Sergeant Livingston left the Army in 1956. They had three children, Carol, Caleb and Mike, returning to Cold Bay in 1961 where Bob worked for the FAA. Anna worked as master for the post office. Bob enjoyed repairing boat radars for fisherman, always refusing payment. The Livingston family homesteaded on a beautiful site where Trout Creek flows into Cold Bay.
Bob worked for power plant companies in the Aleutians, Alaska Peninsula, and Panhandle, eventually settling among the scenic mountains and wonderful people of Chignik Bay. In 2003, the State of Alaska's World War II Veterans Program awarded Bob his high school diploma.
In retirement, he enjoyed playing the violin, helping people repair electronics, and reading books. His friend Chickie wrote on his Facebook wall, "We're going to miss your gentle, thoughtful, and helpful friendship, violin music, and wisdom here in Chignik Bay :( RIP Bob:( you are now with your beloved AnnaBelle."
Bob is survived by his son Caleb in Unalaska; his son Michael in Anchorage; his son in law Gary Hadfield of King Salmon, relatives in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Annabelle in 1981 and his daughter Carol Ann Hadfield in September 2010.
His family asks that contributions be made to the library at Chignik Bay School, 100 School Road, Chignik Bay, Alaska 99564.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, October 1st, at the Chignik Bay Chapel with pastor Dave Hill officiating. "I wanted to let you know that we held a nice memorial service today in Chignik Bay for your dad over at the church. The church was standing room only. Many people shared their memories of your dad, many included the times that your dad had helped them with repairs of cars, water heaters, and generally anything that was broken. Many also talked about how if you needed some odd item, your dad was the one to go to. I think my favorite story was the one Minnie told about a potluck where your dad had brought a pot of soup to share, everyone told him how good it was, then he told them how it had taken a month to make, he just kept adding to it and he said, as long as you re-heat it hot enough every time, it is just fine. People said they thought they would go home and be sick, but no one was, they all laughed and said over and over it was really good soup. People mentioned how much they will miss seeing him go by with his red cap on this winter, they said it will be like a piece of Chignik is gone. Dave played the guitar, we sang Lily of the Valley, one of your dad's favorites Dave said, and shared the pictures and the obituary you sent. Your dad will be dearly missed here in Chignik and we know by you and your family as well. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you, KH."
