of Little Rock, AR
October 5, 1949 - August 23, 2021
Dr. Richard Lee Livingston was born in Pampa, Texas in October of 1949 and died on August 23, 2021. He tried his best to love God and most assuredly loved his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Madge Livingston and his sister Cindy Livingston Rambo, and is survived by his wife Elizabeth Livingston, his daughter Susannah Livingston (Christopher Bertram), his sons Connor and Andrew Livingston and his grandchildren Lee Livingston and Henry Greenberg, all of Little Rock.
He graduated from Little Rock Central, Hendrix College and the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. Along the way, he worked as a schoolteacher and met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth. After a psychiatry residency at Washington University St. Louis, he was the first UAMS resident in child and adolescent psychiatry, then joined the UAMS faculty, becoming its second Director of Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry. He later served as the Director of Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatry at the New Jersey Medical School, and in 2008 was named one of the state of Arkansas's top doctors by the Arkansas Times.
Richard's Cherokee and Muskogee heritage led him to both active involvement in the Association of American Indian Physicians and time served on the Board of Directors at the American Indian Center of Arkansas. He was also Chairperson for the American Psychiatric Association's Committee of American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Psychiatrists. Dr. Livingston had membership in the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science and was a fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in addition to founding the Arkansas Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, serving as its first President.
Richard is also survived by his writings and most of all, his patients a blessing for any physician. He wishes to express his gratitude for the privilege of working to help thousands of children and families and trusts that those who felt particularly helped will ''pass it forward'', helping others.
He requests memorials to the scholarship fund for the Association of Native American Medical Students in Oklahoma City or to the American Indian College Fund.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in the Garden Room of Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway.
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28 Condolence(s)
Breyhdunn Hudso
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
I am deeply saddened that I didn't get to be in the same room with him dying. Two things that I would have loved to do, 1# lock the door so no one could be in the room but me and him, 2# taken his last breath myself when I had the chance to.
Suzanne (Bradley) Kinney
Saturday, September 4, 2021
His daughter, Susannah, was my best friend in middle and high school. We often carpooled to school together and Dr. Livingston would drive. I also spent a lot of time at their house. I will always remember him as a kind, patient and welcoming soul. He was very good to us during the trials and tribulations of adolescence.
Blessings to the whole Livingston family.
Toss Worthington
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
I first met Richard at Little Rock Central High School where he was my advanced biology teacher. At that time, I had no idea that we would cross paths again but we did. As the Head Nurse of the Child Psychiatry inpatient Unit at UAMS, I worked with Richard when he was a medical student, resident physician, Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and then when he became the Director. He was such a humble person and was respectful to everyone around him from his students to his co-workers, to his patients, and also to their families. I feel so honored to have worked alongside such a brilliant man who was instrumental in improving the lives of so many. He will truly be missed!
Jensi Kessler
Monday, August 30, 2021
Rich brought joy, friendship, and peace to all he encountered. He helped so many and made us feel good about ourselves. He spoke of Liz with love, gratitude, and so much affection. He left the world a better place. Peace, Rich, you are loved.
Lori Fawbush
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Richard and I worked together at Select and St. Vincents for around 15 years. Of all the physicians in Central Arkansas, he was one of my favorite colleagues and I was blessed to have him as a friend. He was an exceptional teacher, was passionate about helping kids, and was one of the most compassionate people I've known.
I don't think I've ever met a man more in love with his wife. He was absolutely crazy like a teen about Liz, his "Morticia," and their playful banter was always such a delight to witness. No matter how bad a situation might be, doc could find some humor in it. His positive approach to life's "lemons" and adversities was a large part of what made him so endearing to those who knew him. I can almost imagine him trying to comfort us all with some humorous anecdote even now. He left a big mark on this world through helping others. He will be greatly missed.
Bennett Leventhal
Friday, August 27, 2021
Richard will be deeply missed. His kind, gentle demeanor belied a fierce dedication to providing the very best in care for children, adolescents and their families, especially those who were underprivileged and facing the challenges of psychiatric illness. Richard was also a dedicated teacher who always had time for his students. And, of course, his beloved family was in the center of his heart. He was a trusted colleague and dear friend for many of us in child and adolescent psychiatry. His death will leave a hole in our world that will be hard to fill. Richard will be remembered with warmth, respect and smiles - just like the smile he had for all of us. Go in peace, my friend.
Jeff Palmer
Friday, August 27, 2021
I was blessed to have worked with Dr. Livingston on multiple occasions during my psychiatry training and afterwards. He was a wonderful teacher and physician.
Ronna Anderson
Friday, August 27, 2021
Dr Livingston is an icon, and helped my grandson so much. I never had the opportunity to work with him but I worked with so many who talked highly of him.
Ruth M. Nofchissey
Friday, August 27, 2021
70 candles
Carol Ragan
Friday, August 27, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Dr. Livingston passing. I worked with him at Valley Behavioral. He had such a gift working with the children. He is now in Heaven where he continues caring for children. He will be missed greatly. Such an honor and pleasure working with him.
Virginia Harden
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Elizabeth, I am truly sorry for your loss and that of all who knew him.
Melvina McCabe
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Favorite memories of our dear friend - his love of music and his humor!! Prayers as you walk on, dear friend!
Dear family - please know you are all in my prayers!
Carolyn (McGuire) Williams
Thursday, August 26, 2021
All too soon
Tracy Caldwell
Thursday, August 26, 2021
I worked with Dr. Livingston at Youth Home when we was placed there through UAMS I always appreciated his guidance and help with our patients! He had my utmost respect!
My condolences to his family. He will be missed!
Tracy Caldwell, LCSW
Ida Darragh
Thursday, August 26, 2021
I knew Richard a long time ago in the Retreat Singers. We've stayed in touch through facebook for many years. My sympathies go to his wife and children. Absolutely love the statement: he is survived by his writings!
Roger Dale Walker
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Oh my! Such a dear friend and colleague. I will miss you greatly. We worked together and laughed together while carrying the messages to help Native people across North America. You were always there to nudge use along. Aya gvgeyu'i.
Emily Robbins
Thursday, August 26, 2021
I worked with Dr. Livingston at the Child Study Center and I always appreciated his willingness to teach in any situation. He listened to his patients no matter how young they were and sometimes that was the most important part to them, to just feel heard. Dr. Livingston also rocked some pretty sweet ties and Hawaiian shirts on occasion. My prayers are with you all during this time. I pray you find peace in knowing how many people your husband, father and grandfather impacted during his time here on earth.
Mary & Mick Paal
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Per Mick: He was really a nice guy, a good physician and had a great sense of humor!
Per Mary: Another volume of my encyclopedia left this rock. Never was there a spirit so humble who truly knew it all! I shall be forever grateful our paths crossed.
Mary Vano
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Richard was a beloved member of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. He will be missed.
Teresa Phillips
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Although we never spent much time together even as cousins, my fondest memory of Richard is how he came to our mom Colleen Burrows Mertel Sherrod’s aide when our daddy passed away and again when her husband Bob passed away. He was available by phone for many hours of just talking Mom through her loss(es). Being the son of her beloved Cousin Madge, she was so grateful for his comforting words and his ability to inject humor and sweet laughter into their talks. It helped her so much so in turn it helped my sister Toni and me. We are forever grateful for his loving spirit and listening ear and as Elizabeth said, his big, kind, generous heart.
Earnestine Casey
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Livinston's passing. He has a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate man and these traits were reflected in his practice. I always feel a little empty when the world loses one of the good guys. My thoughts and prayers for his family.
Sharon Webb
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Elizabeth and family, Lisa and I so very much enjoyed spending time with you and Richard! This is a wonderful obituary about an amazing man who clearly contributed so much to the world in his lifetime. We loved and respected him. May all of your wonderful memories somehow sustain you, your “kids†and family during this very difficult time.
Carolyn nally
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Richard was president of the riverfront blues festival Ft
Smith
It was an honor to work with Doc and Elizabeth
He referred to us as blueshounds a term we still use today
Sending love to his family and thankful for the memories â¤
Carolyn nally
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Richard served on the board of the riverfront blues society later becoming our president
He was.appreciated for his hard work . I think he was the one who called us blueshounds a name we still use
Richard and Elizabeth were sorely missed when they moved. Fly high blueshound know that you were loved and appreciated â¤ðŸ’•
Christine Clark
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
It was pleasure to work with you at Valley Behavioral Health. As a new therapist I looked up to you for your guidance and mentoring. Your work with the children was amazing. Your sense of humor got me through many of early morning staffings. I will miss you!
Cyndi Pruitt
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Jerry and I were so sad to hear about Richard’s passing. He was without a doubt one of the most intelligent men we had ever met and we loved his quirky sense of humor! Our Sunday School Class always looked forward to having him teach because we knew that we were in for a treat. We missed Richard and Elizabeth when they moved back to Little Rock but they will always be a part of our church. I can’t even imagine what a stir Richard must be making in Heaven!
Kim Wright
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Dr. Livingston will never be forgotten. He had a passion for helping children and what a blessing he was to so many and their families. Doc, you will always have a special spot in my heart for the countless hours of service you dedicated to young lives across this area. Our native American tribe of the Cherokee don't say goodbye, so we say Wado. I will see you again Sir.
William High
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
He will be sorely missed. I knew him only briefly but those days spent with Richard flying to clinics around Arkansas was a hoot. Richard even learned to land the aircraft we flew.
His guidance with my youngest grandson's Asperger was so greatly appreciated. God Speed .