In 1960, he married Sherry Lee Campbell, followed by the adoption of their oldest son, Arlyn, in1963, and daughter, Ronda, in 1965. One might say his greatest achievement was playing the guitar, or his career as a draftsman, but that pales in comparison to the love he had for his entire family. Standing at 6’ 4”, he was a warm, engaging, tender-hearted, gentle giant.
His talent for recalling stories, a supply of dad jokes, and creating endearing names for people were just a few attributes that drew people in. If forming and traveling with his band, The String Dusters, around the greater Pacific Northwest at age 17 was not enough, recording the great hit, “Hot Rod Lincoln” in 1955 with his brother, Neil and Charlie Ryan would become a lifelong story no one tired of hearing.
His life took a dramatic turn when he attended Elder Stanley Harris’ evangelistic series at age 22. He gave his heart to Jesus, becoming a first generation Seventh-day Adventist Christian. This turn of events replaced his usual pursuits of playing in smoke-filled bars and dance halls, to traveling with The Lamplighters and The Invitations as they shared gospel music and their love of Jesus for many years throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Anything but ordinary, Ron set aside his career as a musician for more conventional artistic pursuits. After gaining his draftsmen certification from Spokane Falls Community College, he spent the next 40 years proudly working for a diverse group of prominent architects in Spokane. He was instrumental in drawing plans for a variety of shopping malls in Montana, Idaho, and Washington (Northtown), in addition to banks, houses, and Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Officially retired, he seized the opportunity to continue sharing music at the Gospel Mission, nursing facilities, and churches throughout his community. He enjoyed connecting with fellow musicians and highly valued the time he spent with them. Even with vision impairment, Ron had keen awareness of landmarks which was reflected in his execution of flawless and detailed navigations.
Ron is survived by wife, Wenda, siblings, Jean Dury, Carol Hartman, Linda Grasson (Ken), brothers-in-law, Ken Campbell (Eleanor), David Garry Campbell, son, Arlyn Livingston (Kristine), daughter, Ronda Harrison (Keith), nephews, nieces, and grandchildren, Zach, Sid (Ryann) Livingston, Kenzie (Josh) Sharpe, Austin, Allie and Sami Harrison as well as numerous great-grandchildren, Hayden, Banks, Paislee, Gabby, Jason Jr., Titus, Lacy and Wenda’s children, Tommy Clark, Charel (Jason) Milks, Andrew Clark, and Ramona Marvin.
Ron was proceeded in death by his parents, late wife of fifty years, Sherry Livingston, siblings, Norman Livingston, Phyllis Fairchild, Allene Tattrie, and Neil Livingston.
A memorial service for Ron will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, 5100 West Wellesley Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205.
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