Donald Alfred Livings

In Loving Memory of Donald Alfred Livings

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Donald Alfred Livings—lovingly known as Donnie—at Hospice Peterborough on July 8, 2025, in his 83rd year. After a long and courageous battle, Donnie passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Peterborough on September 7, 1942, Donnie spent his early childhood in Keene, later growing up in Peterborough. He often reminisced about his teenage years spent in Hiawatha, where he made many cherished memories. 

As a young man, Donnie began his working life with an apprenticeship at General Electric, where he trained and excelled as a tool and die maker—a true master craftsman. Over the years, his career path reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic. He sold real estate, ran a Baskin-Robbins as a family business, and ultimately retired from General Motors as a tool and die maker, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, skill, and pride in his work.

Donnie was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering compassion. He was an avid woodworker, bird lover and gardener, but most importantly, a devoted family man. He believed in community, kindness, and service, and lived those values every day. For over 40 years, he was a regular blood donor. He served as a Big Brother, was a tireless advocate and volunteer with the Huntington’s Society of Canada for more than two decades, and regularly gave to the Food Bank and local families in need.

Donnie had a special gift: he could fix anything, from broken furniture to broken spirits. He was always smiling, always ready with a joke or a kind word, and always there when someone needed a helping hand. His sense of humour was infectious, and his gentle wisdom touched everyone who knew him.

Donnie is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife Jeannie, with whom he shared 60 beautiful years of marriage. He was a proud and loving father to Karry (Robbie Boyd), Gregory (Jeannette Livings), and Jennifer (Michael Fisher). Nothing brought him more joy than being Poppa to his six treasured grandchildren: Connor, Sarah, Zachary, Eveline, Charles, and Reise. Donnie will be missed by his sister Alma and his brother Tommy as well as his many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service. Donnie will be dearly missed by his extended family, countless friends, and all those who were lucky enough to know him.

A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE on Tuesday July 15th at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Brothers and Sisters, Huntington’s Society, Hospice Peterborough, or your local Food Bank—causes close to Donnie’s heart.

Rest well, Donnie. Your hands built so much, your heart gave so much, and your spirit will remain with us always.