David Gerard Livingston
December 3, 1955 – July 14, 2024
David Livingston, 68, of Lapeer, was born and raised in Detroit, to the late Ronald and Alice (Rouhan) Livingston. He was one of eight children, 6 boys and 2 girls. The Livingston birthdays, holidays, and get- togethers were always fun-filled adventures. Dave’s father was a former police officer with the Detroit Police Department. His parents were devout Catholics who instilled a strong spiritual faith within their children. Dave carried his faith with him into every aspect of his life, and it helped to form and develop him to meet the challenges he would later face. The excitement, challenges, and love of police work that Dave’s father shared with his children inspired many of the boys to later pursue careers in law enforcement. Dave developed an interest in both education and law enforcement/criminal justice. He would eventually obtain degrees in both fields. Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country with honor. During his stint in the U.S.M.C. he received training and became a military policeman.
After his discharge, Dave still considered careers in either the educational field or law enforcement. He pursued several possibilities and in 1980 he was hired by the Troy Police Department as a Police Officer. During his 31 years with the Troy Police Department, Dave worked many assignments, received many awards and recognition, and was promoted first to Sergeant and then, to Lieutenant. Dave fully embraced every aspect of police work. He loved his job and he never hesitated in trying to have a positive impact on those individuals who he came into contact with. He became a friend, mentor, and inspiration to others. David never missed an opportunity to spread joy with others.
During his childhood, Dave was influenced by many of the popular television shows of the time: Adam-12, Dragnet, Hogans Heroes, Get Smart, The Three Stooges, etc. Dave could recite many of the punch lines, verbatim, from some of the more popular episodes. Dave didn’t hesitate to share those punch lines or his sense of humor with any of his friends, family, or co-workers. Whether through a prank or witty joke (later known as “Crowisms”), he was always making people laugh.
In 2011, Dave was diagnosed with melanoma. He made the difficult decision to retire from Troy PD so as to focus his attention on his health. Although his health concerns would remain with him, his love and yearning for police work motivated him to pursue another career as a police officer with Mott Community College. Once again, his dedication, work ethic, and commitment enabled him to rise through the ranks; first to Sergeant, and then to Lieutenant. Eventually, he was assigned to manage the Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy (LERTA). His position provided him an opportunity to share the wisdom he gained through the many experiences of his law enforcement career, with those young officers just starting their careers. It also provided him with the opportunity to pursue both of the careers he was interested in as a young man; law enforcement and education.
David was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He offered to assist any friend or neighbor with a project. Dave made a point of being available for his friends even if it required a personal sacrifice. When he was sick, Dave would still shovel snow from a neighbor’s driveway without being asked. David would drop anything for a friend in need.
Dave’s greatest love was spending time with his family. He cherished those moments spent with his wife Marsha, and their children; Jacob, Joanna, and Matthew. He shared his love and pride in his family with those who were close to him. He will be missed by many.