Malcolm Livingstone Obituary

John Malcolm Livingstone

Durham

John Malcolm Livingstone of Durham, aged 63, passed away August 13 at Hock Family Pavilion with family by his side after a cheerful and courageous battle with cancer. Malcolm inspired everyone who knew him with his ability to enjoy simple pleasures in life---picking a fresh tomato, watching dogs play, or enjoying a cup of coffee outside while listening to the birds sing.

A passionate lifelong learner, Malcolm had an impressive knowledge of the human and natural world, including boats and sailing, history and anthropology, fishing and camping, foods and cooking, adventuring and marksmanship, and animal behavior. He retained fond memories of teen years spent camping in Kenya and sailing a small wooden craft alone in the Bras D'Or Lakes of Nova Scotia. His interest in people and curiosity about the world was remarkable.

As the owner for more than 30 years of Livingstone Painting, customers and business associates joined his network of friends. Malcolm was much loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

He is survived by his mother, Bertha Ross Livingstone; four sisters, Laura Livingstone (Anthony Benson), Mary Farrell (David Farrell), Christina Livingstone (Mike Van Oort), Elizabeth Livingstone (Joseph Halby); nephews, Samuel Van Oort, John Lucas Van Oort, Ian Farrell and Erik Farrell. He was predeceased by his father, Daniel A. Livingstone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Independent Animal Rescue of Durham.

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

Published by The News and Observer & Herald Sun from Aug. 19 to Aug. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm Livingstone

13 Entries

Hilmar Lapp

October 8, 2020

So sorry to hear this. Malcolm painted our house 6 years ago and the moment you started interacting with him you knew you're dealing with a great honest guy who brings his heart to the job. Very sad I can't hire him again.

Christina Livingstone

September 9, 2020

It has been comforting to Malcolm's sisters to read these memories of him. Thank you to all who contributed stories. We miss him so much, and it is like a little visit to read what people remember.

Denise A Heflin

August 29, 2020

I knew Malcolm through Independent Animal Rescue. Malcolm fostered several dogs with IAR, (Malcolm Junior, BeeBee, JayJay) and also helped out with many other foster dogs on a visiting/respite basis.

He loved his foster dogs, and he stood by them even when they were challenging.

Malcolm was planing to get even more involved with the dog program when he learned of his cancer.

I and my fellow volunteers were very fond of Malcolm, and appreciated him very much. I have appended a couple of comments from other volunteers below.

It is touching that he chose IAR for memorial donations. Thank you (again) Malcolm!

Denise Heflin

So sorry to hear this. He was a really nice guy. (Barbara S)

I met Malcolm multiple times at the dog events. He was a super nice guy who really loved the dogs and we always had a great chat. (Dave T)

Thomas Sears

August 25, 2020

Malcolm was an amazing person and his passion for animal rescue was truly inspiring. This is where our paths crossed. Just knowing Malcolm has made me a better person and I feel blessed to have called him a friend! Our time together and long conversations about dogs, about guns and life in general will be missed!

Cathy Dalton

August 24, 2020

For years I lived in the same neighborhood as the Livingstone family, and Malcolm was the same age as my sister, Libby. He was a kind boy and I remember being at his home, playing with Laura and Mary, and knowing how much he loved, Rory, the family Gordon Setter, and insects. This is bringing up all kinds of memories that make me realize how amazing his family was and even before I think most of ever even thought of it, caring for the earth and being creative with games and the outdoors.

I am sorry I did not get to know Malcolm as we all grew and moved to other parts - it sounds as if he was an amazing person. And I am certain that he was full of the best of his mother and father, who I remember so well.

Blessings to his family.

Keith Brown

August 22, 2020

I'm very sorry to hear of Malcolm's passing. We grew up in the same neighborhood and class in school. He was a good guy.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Pat Palmer

August 19, 2020

Malcolm was all of the beautiful things mentioned in this obituary and to that, I would like to add a fine and kind man. My condolences to his Mom and his sisters.

Robin Godwin

August 19, 2020

Malcolm was a kind person with a beautiful soul. His love for dogs was indeed a passion. His love for his Mum and his 4 sisters was another of his passions.
He will be missed by many. He surely fought the good fight in a very positive way!
Sail on, my sweet friend.

Wenhui Mao

August 19, 2020

I met with Malcolm via IAR, he has shown me great tips in handling with dogs. Later we shared our experiences in different countries and culture. He like to call my fostered dog Hammet, "The King", and always offer his yard to let Hammet play and run freely. He also saved lots of dogs with his warm heart.
Hammet and I visited Malcolm this March during his battle with the cancer. It is so inspiring that he kept the sense of humor and passion for life as always. He also gave me lots of support during this pandemic.
Now Malcolm has been relieved from disease, so as my beloved Hammet. Maybe two of you will meet with each other in the other side of the rainbow bridge.
Your courage and kindness will always be remembered.

Anissa Litwin

August 19, 2020

I volunteer with Independent Animal Rescue and met Malcolm through our work with foster dogs. My first memory of Malcolm is talking to him about visiting with Willa (now Ketch) at Sunny Acres. It was so nice to have him reach out to help me like that. So when he was asking for help with socializing BeeBee I was happy to return the favor. For my first training session with BeeBee, Malcolm sent me a text with directions on what I needed to do. Basically I just had to sit on a bench on his front porch while he brought BeeBee around. He said I shouldn’t give BeeBee any attention until he had her sitting calmly. And then he said he would “wink” and I would know it was ok to say hi to BeeBee. I often saw him at adoption events too. I always enjoyed coming by to help him with BeeBee and got to know Malcolm Junior too. I was there the day he met a potential adopter. The woman’s son was autistic and it was a pretty challenging visit but Malcolm was a champ and handled it well. When he got “Junior Junior” he texted and asked if I wanted to help with the “new project”. I said I thought he was going to take a break after Junior and BeeBee. He said JJ was a “real sick dog” but “coming around now”. I could tell Malcolm had a real soft spot and was determined to help. I’m really sorry to hear of his passing. Thinking of him and the pups he fostered will always bring a smile. -Anissa

Julie

August 18, 2020

I knew Malcolm as a passionate advocate for dogs, he saved so many of them and had a good and caring heart. He will be missed.

Christina Livingstone

August 18, 2020

Over the past year, while accompanying Malcolm to some of the many appointments and treatments, I was able to watch Malcolm bring pleasure to so many people with his friendly attitude and positive approach to both living and dying. Good job, Malcolm. We all love you and hope you are off sailing and fishing with Grandpa.

Mary Farrell

August 18, 2020

He was a beloved brother and will be much missed. Malcolm's passion for meeting new friends was so great and his knowledge was so broad that he could find some commonality with anyone he met. He was so kind to his sisters.

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