Russell Joseph Livingston 3/25/1928-3/12/2012

Russ was born in Troy, New York to Nettie Seil and grew up in Schenectady. He held his first job at the age of 16 at the American Railroad Company. Not long after, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served out the remainder of World War II. After he was discharged he drove over 2800 miles to start a new life in Los Angeles. He met the love of his life, Nancy, and they were married on August 29, 1958. They started their family in Norwalk, California and, in 1973, moved to Arvin, California.

Russ was a very skilled worker and had a much disciplined work ethic. While living in Norwalk he worked at Lockheed Aircraft and had the opportunity to work on the SR71 Blackbird. After moving to Arvin, he worked for the American Fertilizer Company and J.R. Simplot. He retired from the Arvin Union School District.

Those who knew Russ loved him and his sense of humor. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceeded in death by his mother Nettie Seil Baker, his father-in-law George Sterling, and his mother-in-law Mary Sterling.

Russ is survived by his wife Nancy of Bakersfield. They were married for 54 years. He is also survived by his daughter Terrie Reese and son-in-law Tim, his son Chris and daughter-in-law Tina, his grandson Bram, and granddaughters Caitlin, Candice, Sarah, and two great-grandchildren Abbi and Johnny, all of Bakersfield.

There will be a private viewing followed by private graveside services. Interment will be at Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard, Arvin, California.

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and
turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
David Harkins 1959