Martin Henry Livingston died peacefully in his sleep on May 11, 2018 after a long struggle with dementia.

Marty was born October 12, 1929 in New York City to Jean and Ralph Livingston. The family soon moved to Springfield MA where Marty and his younger sister Marjorie completed high school. Following his father’s path, Marty completed a degree in accounting before joining the army.

At 20 Marty met the love of his life, Elinor, on a blind date. They were married on May 30, 1951 – Memorial Day since Marty got a three day leave from the army. Returning to the army life was the first of a life time of shared adventures. Now that Marty lived off base with his bride, he could pick up donuts on the way to work on the base. Guys living on the base were eager to enjoy a donut, and soon Marty had his first small business selling coffee and donuts to his fellow soldiers. When Marty and Elinor returned to Springfield he explored a range of entrepreneurial pursuits from drug store supply sales to furniture upholstery to owning gas stations.

In 1961, Marty and Elinor sold their modest home in Springfield, packed their two children, Joy age 7 and Ralph age 5 in a brand new Chevy (no heater needed) and headed to Los Angeles, CA to seek their fortune. Once in LA, Maty decided to return to education in accounting, studied for and passed the CPA exam – he was now the second-generation accountant, his son Ralph and grandson Jason would follow in his footsteps. Marty had a successful accounting career and found a niche saving businesses from going under. He acquired the last business he saved and successfully ran it until he retired to pursue volunteer activities and his boating passion.

It was no surprise that Marty and Elinor moved from the Valley to Marina del Rey in the early 80’s. They had been frequenting the marina since Marty’s first boat, a 21’ retractable keel sailboat “Crabgrass” (Marty had a wonderful, dry sense of humor). Next came a 30’ sloop and then 44’ yawl. In his late 50’s a heart attack forced Marty to switch to a power boat, Genesis, a 48’ sports fisher. When he got Exodus, a 52’ trawler he had found his home. He became a prize winning predicted log racer, active in the various associations, organizing and participating in races; as well as serving as treasurer and vice commodore for Del Rey Yacht cub. Indeed, Marty served as treasure in the many volunteer boards he joined, including the Jewish War Veterans.

Marty took calculated risks in business and his personal life. He traveled the world with Elinor. There wasn’t a unusual food he wouldn’t try at least once. His dream was to sail aboard Exodus from LA to Vermont (Joy’s home) via the Panama Canal and Intracoastal Waterway. The first attempt ended in a rescue at sea during a hurricane, but with Elinor’s full support, he successfully piloted Exodus II from Texas all the way to the Hudson River, through the Champlain Locks and into Lake Champlain, docking 20 minutes from Joy and Sandy’s home. Marty was in his mid-seventies.

Marty was an artist with wood, creating beautiful pieces of furniture. He enjoyed tending plants and became an excellent chef. He was brilliant with logic, becoming an adept Excel expert – there wasn’t much he couldn’t do with a spreadsheet and macros. Marty and Elinor loved dogs and cats, and their last volunteer effort was bringing their trained therapy dog Zoe to the Children’s Hospital.

Marty will be remembered as a kind and generous man with a dry wit. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He was enormously curious. And he was quite clear about his opinions, he knew the difference between right and wrong without any doubt.

Marty was predeceased by his wife, Elinor, of 66 years, Elinor passed 10 weeks prior to the day. Marty is survived by his children Joy and her partner Sandra, and Ralph and his wife Sheri, by his grandsons Gary, Jason and Blake; by his sister Marjorie; and by his brother-in-law (more like brother), Roger.

We are deeply grateful for the love and care the Belmont family of staff gave to Marty and Elinor. Each and every person freely gave their genuine concern, affection, and kindness. They provided excellent care for both our parents and the rest of our family.

Donations in Marty’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Jewish War Veterans.