The Life and Times of Gerry Livingston

Born in Smith Falls, Ontario, Gerry Livingston was a graduate of Assumption College, Windsor, Ontario. A gifted athlete, he starred on basketball and football teams in high school and college. Also a talented baseball player, Mr. Livingston attracted offers from the Detroit Tigers and played on championship teams in the Detroit Baseball Federation.

Mr. Livingston worked as an executive for Chrysler before founding Livingston wood Products in London in 1941. Needing to expand, he moved the business to the vacant Huntley Manufacturing plant on Tillson Avenue in 1943.

Gerry Livingston's optimism, hard work and dedication to excellence earned his company a reputation for quality. What started in 1941, as a manufacturing enterprise that made packing cases and wooden components for farm implements, expanded quickly. The business grew to include Canadian and international holdings in packaging and distribution services. Over the years there were other business interests; a florist shop, transportation services and a garage and restaurant. In 1968 controlling interest in Livingston Industries Limited was sold to Allpak Products Limited, London.

Mr. Livingston's avid interest in sports was a definite plus for the town of Tillsonburg. He co-sponsored the Chev-Woods hockey team with the late Len Owen when the town arena was constructed in the 1940s. He supported local baseball and softball teams. His greatest interest however, was basketball. He began building teams in the intermediate league using top athletes who could also play a key role in his business. In 1952 his senior team, under playing-coach Paul Thomas, defeated Winnipeg in the national championships. The team went on to defeat the university champions, the Western Mustangs, in the Olympic trials in a very memorable series. This team represented Canada at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. In 1960 the Livingston team won the national title, under coach Elmer Ripley, and represented Canada at the Olympic Games in Rome.

Gerry Livingston's generosity and spirit were always evident in Tillsonburg. He and his wife Violet supported St. Mary's Church and other church organizations. For his church contributions, Mr. Livingston received Papal honours in 1962. He was named a Knight of St. Gregory and later, a Knight of Malta. The hospital recreational facilities and social services were also supported by the Livingston family. The donation of the Livingston Holdings Limited office building on Rolph Street, and continued financial support, helped to make the Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre possible.

Because of his many contributions to the community, a testimonial dinner was held by the local Chamber of Commerce in 1964. A plaque bearing his name is a part of the Tillsonburg Town Centre's "Wall of Fame". It was dedicated during "Gerry Livingston Weekend" festivities held in 1985.

During his "retirement" Gerry Livingston still found time to be involved. Projects included real estate development near Naples, Florida and a condominium project in London.

Mr. Livingston passed away in October of 1988, at the age of 73.