Name: Celebration of Life for Robert LIVINGSTON M.D.
Start: 2016-10-15T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-10-16T01:00:00.000Z
Location: at the home of Dr. David and Heather Alberts

LIVINGSTON, Robert M.D., 75, of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 8, 2016. Dr. Livingston was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona since 2006, where his clinical and research specialty was breast cancer. He was practicing at University of Arizona Cancer Center until recently. Prior to moving to Tucson, he was a Professor of Medicine and Chief of Solid Tumor Oncology at the University of Washington, Seattle, for 24 years. He also served as Chairman of the Lung and Breast Committees for the Southwest Oncology Group, a national cancer research organization, helping to design clinical trials that improved the care and treatment of many cancer patients, while contributing to more than 400 clinical research papers. Bob will be warmly remembered as a caring clinician, innovative researcher, and dedicated teacher. Literally thousands of Bob's grateful patients, former students, research colleagues, fellow faculty, and friends worldwide will mourn his loss, but will continue to reap the rewards of his generosity and spirit. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 3, 1941. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma and his oncology training at the National Center Institutes, Bethesda, MD, AND M.D. Anderson, Houston, Texas, where he was lucky enough to meet his beloved wife, Shirley. He was a clinician, investigator, mentor, and friend to all, but also a loving husband, devoted father, and grandfather. He is survived by his adoring wife of 42 years, devoted children and grandchildren. Our hearts are breaking, but we feel so fortunate to have had him in our lives, puns and all. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the home of Dr. David and Heather Alberts, on Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Call (520) 577-4672 for directions. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the University of Arizona Cancer Center to support training and mentorship. Checks payable to UAF/UACC may be sent to UAHS, P.O. BOX 245018, Tucson, Arizona 85724, designation "In Memory of Robert Livingston" in the memo line. Online gifts may be made at www.uafoundation.org/giving/uacc adding "Robert Livingston" within the tribute section. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert LIVINGSTON

30 Entries

jJoaquin Mira

September 12, 2024

Wonderful researcher, clinician and friend. It was a pleasure to collaborate with him, and to socialize with him and Shirley.

Sandra Schafer

January 17, 2024

A while back I sent a letter to Dr. Livingston thanking him for helping me with my breast cancer diagnosis . He changed my treatment plan which literally saved my life .
He had very special words for me . I sent the letter only to be informed that he passed . I missed it by only months . I never thought of looking here. I just wanted to make sure the family knew , even all these years later . He was the greatest !

Madeline Kiser and Oscar Beita

September 12, 2022

Dear Shirley and Family,

We continue to remember Dr. Livingston with love and appreciation for the care he gave me during cancer treatment. We hope that this note finds you well.

With affection and appreciation,
Madeline Kiser and Oscar Beita

KELLEY PAGE

October 8, 2020

Dearest family & friends --
I was not aware of Dr. Livingston's passing -- Just happen to come across it during a Google search of cancer related inquiry.
I was blessed to be a patient of his (and Dr. Ann Murphy) for a protocall while residing in Washington. At that time ('95 > ,96), he said I was his youngest breast cancer patient (23) so when I touched base with him in May 2014, he said my reaching out to him made his day and that he remembered me -- more like he made mine!!! C:
Cancer took me for a very difficult ride. Sadly, my family followed soon thereafter. I wanted him to know how much I appreciated his part of the reason I'm here today!! He had a warm, gentle bedside manner. I told him I'll never forget his name nor his vital role in saving my life. May he feel my deep gratitude in Heaven. Thanks, again, Dr. Livingston...YOU ROCK!!!! C:
May God continue to provide comfort in your time of loss & sorrow.
Bless you,
Kelley

Madeline Kiser

September 12, 2019

Dearest Shirley and family,

One year after beloved Dr. Livingstons passing, I hold him in my heart with gratitude for his skill as a doctor. I hope on this anniversary you feel loved and supportedIve thought too of you, Shirley, and wish you Loves healing. You too seem like an amazing person. Much Love, Madeline Kiser and family

Penni

November 1, 2016

Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with me. I have a special place in my heart for him. He looked me straight in the eye and said "You may die with this cancer but you aren't going to die from it".i have held this promise close to me for 3 years as I now show no signs of cancer. God has a special place next to him for you Dr. Livingston. Go Rest In Peace.

November 1, 2016

I am so saddened by this news. He was the most amazing doctor. I truly loved him and credit him for saving my life. God bless your family at this time.

Rachel Swart

October 15, 2016

Bob was the most supportive and knowledgeable breast cancer oncologist that I could have ever asked for in a mentor. He was never too busy to teach or answer questions. And he truly cared about his colleagues and their happiness. I could never thank him enough for making me the oncologist I am today. I will always cherish his words of wisdom, and our lunches with the breast cancer team. His legacy will live on in all of the patient's lives he has cared for and the physicians he has trained. He will be dearly missed.

Catherine Katz

October 13, 2016

Dr.Livingston was truly one of the most brilliant physicians I have ever met. He was a kind and generous teacher to all, including industry reps like me. His love and dedication to his wife, Shirley, is probably the part of him I will always most admire. I had the deepest respect for Dr. Livingston and feel so privileged to have known him these many years. He is and will always be terribly missed. Rest in peace, dear Dr. Livingston.

With deepest condolences,

Cathy Katz

MARIA ALTAMIRANO

October 11, 2016

I am a patient of Dr. Livingstons of 5 years. I am with a very heavy heart today finding out this news. I feel I just lost my security blanket. In my darkest of days he gave me great hope and here I am 5 year later. He will be greatly missed and so very appreciated for his caring heart and knowledge. Thank you Jesus for having this
Dr guide me through my journey

Peter Lance

October 11, 2016

Bob was one of the most innovative oncologists I have been privileged to know. He applied a superb understanding of the science of breast carcinogenesis to the design of novel therapeutic approaches to the disease.

Madeline Kiser

October 8, 2016

I too am one of Dr. Livingston's patients, another who came to depend on his solidity, hunger to learn and insert new knowledge into his daily practice, subtle dry humor, tenacity and quiet devotion to us, his flock. He was one of those rare healers who healed by way of encouraging patients' agency and voice, a full partnership through illness.

I'm thankful beyond words to be alive, now 54 after six years of treatment, to see my two sons through high school (I was diagnosed during my oldest son's senior year) and college, and credit his loving care to the bounty of these last few years.

Blessings to you, his family. You're in my heart and prayers.

Madeline Kiser

LAURA HUERTA

October 8, 2016

It was with great sadness and shock I took in the news of Dr. Livingston passing. I felt deep sadness in my heart. Uncertainty and fear that he is no longer here. 4 years ago I met this wonderful, caring man. I was 32 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma.
I can never thank him enough for all he did. His positive words at all times. His devotion to finding my cure. He was super excited when he said to me, "your a young otherwise healthy woman. I am going to hit you with all we have". He told me I know you will beat this. I never had a doubt. Yes I had fears, and he said "we all have fears". I feel he was my #1 ANGEL of the many I've had at the cancer center. He reminded me of the late John Paul our pope, Only Dr. Livingston a taller John Pope. The caring look in his eyes. His comforting smile, that gave me hope in times of despair. I spoke to Katie and said to her, "I can't explain my fear now. It's like my security blanket is taken from me". Rest in peace my #1 ANGEl! I will forever be grateful as you saved my life. You are the reason I can be with my loved ones today. My condolences and prayers for your loved ones here. I know you will continue to watch over all from heaven as you did here on earth!!

Chris and Nancy Kaufman

October 5, 2016

Our condolences to the family. We knew Bob from Oklahoma Medical School where we had a lot of fun together. He was a great friend and scholar.

Christie Campos

October 5, 2016

To Dr Livingston's loved ones, I send my prayers and condolences. I am so saddened to hear of the passing of such an amazing man. Not only did his talent and dedication to medicine save my life so I can see my sons grow up but his gentle manner, patience and compassion really gave me the hope I needed many times during my treatment. And I truly believe anyone that worked under his teaching will be great Doctors as well. He will be missed very much.

Will always remember the fun times and laughs we enjoyed while working with Bob Livingston.

Beth High

September 29, 2016

Tim Bowden

September 29, 2016

Bob Livingston is going to be missed by all who knew him. He was an outstanding clinician and a great educator.

September 28, 2016

My deepest sympathies to all, especially Shirley. It seems like a thousand years ago that Bob was one of my key mentors at OU; in all ways, intellectually, medically, & ethically, he was superb. We also grew to be close friends, yes (admission following!) with puns as a key element...

His impact on me--and a generation of oncologist--will be one of his great medical legacies.

GL Phillips II MD

Family on Father's Day 2016

Pat Wolk

September 27, 2016

Dear Shirley & family--I've been trying to reach Bob to tell him that my husband, Dick Wolk, died on Sept 1 of this year. He was almost 86. When my email bounced back I searched further and found this surprise. What a blow. He considered Bob one of his favorite people. He respected Bob for his medical acumen as well as his gentlemanly persona. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know your pain. Dick's "celebration of life" will be this Saturday at the Fresno Unitarian church. We will be thinking of you as well.
If you would like to contact me I'm at [email protected]
Pat, Abby, & Amy Wolk

Joe Miles

September 23, 2016

When I first met Dr. Livingston at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, my beloved wife was given a 30% chance of surviving her breast cancer.

Dr. Livingston was her caring oncologist for a year. That was over 15 years ago.

Today she's living a full and cancer free life.

Need I say more about how much this incredible man means to us?

Andrea Cameron

September 22, 2016

Without this man I would not be here, he was my oncologist. When the chips were down - REALLY DOWN - and all the odds were against me, he kept going and pushed. He pushed the boundries to get me the chemo and the mix of chemo that I needed. He fought with me - he was my partner.
He touched my life on so many levels and I learned so much from him. I will deeply miss seeing him each year and sharing our celebratory hug.

September 20, 2016

He will be missed. I was fortunate to have worked with him on treatment of breast cancer with combination hormonal therapy. He was a kind, caring physician and an outstanding mentor..RIta Mehta

NEHS '59 Student Council Officers

Denny Tomlin

September 20, 2016

Best NEHS friend. National Merit Scholar. Student Council Prez when I was the VP. Robert chose the Ivy League and then medical school. I went to Annapolis and the Marine Corps. We never saw each other again. I really regret that because I have many fond memories we didn't get to recall together. Perhaps we will in the future in another place. Denny Tomlin

Farrel Jones

September 20, 2016

Doc was definitely the smartest student of the OKC Northeast High class of 1959

S. Ninaud

September 19, 2016

Dr. Livingston became my medical oncologist in 1999. He saw me through my first round of treatments and got me through treatment for disease spread. Once I realized he liked puns we had a few laughs over words. It is a shock to me that I have been the one to outlive the good doctor. May he rest in peace, and may his family find tranquility knowing that he did so much good for so many people who had the privilege of his wonderful bedside manner.

Joaquin Mira

September 19, 2016

Shirley,it was so sad to hear about Bob's passing. I posted some comments in the ASCO society, and I gave a donation. So many good memories from him and from both of you. We worked together so well. I have a lot of respect for his scientific accomplishments. My best research before I went into private practice was with him and thanks to him. He had a very bright mind, he was able to get the best from all of us. He was a pioneer, an innovator, and in what we did together, time has prove him right. Sheila and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences. rest in peace

Dorothy Campos

September 18, 2016

When I first started working art the Arizona cancer center I didn't have a medical background and Dr.Livingston taught me alot. It was my pleasure to have known him. My condolences to Shirley and the family.

Toni Massaro

September 18, 2016

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the entire Livingston family.
Dr. Livingston not only took wonderful care of his patients; he made us laugh at every appointment. (Humor at a cancer check up is a rare, healing gift beyond measure. )
Thank you, for sharing his life with so many grateful patients.

Toni Massaro and Genevieve Leavitt

Debbie Gilmore

September 18, 2016

Hugs and prayers to the family. His spirt will remain with me forever. I cannot express enough how much he meant to me. My office will never be the same but he will always be in my orange chair eating peppermint puffs and drinking diet Dr. Pepper. Miss you Bob and Love you!

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results