Carson City’s Pete Livermore, whose career in public service spanned more than 20 years, died Monday.
He was 73.
The District 40 Assemblyman announced in January that he would complete his second term representing the capital in the Nevada Assembly, but would not seek a third term. He said that after more than 20 years in appointed or elected public office, “It’s time to spend some time for myself and my family.”
Sheriff Ken Furlong said first responders were called midmorning to Livermore’s home. He died a short time later of an apparent heart attack at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.
“I am terribly saddened by the passing of my friend, Assemblyman Pete Livermore,” Mayor Bob Crowell said in a statement. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Pete since his early days as ‘Mr. A&W.’ We worked on many issues together in both his capacity as supervisor and later as Assemblyman, most recently the effort to turn part of the old Nevada State Prison into a museum pursuant to his signature legislation of the last legislative session.
My heart goes out to his wife, Laurie, and his family. Carson City has lost yet another friend this year. He will be missed.”
Crowell was referring to former Mayor Marv Teixeira, who died in June.
“My heart broke today when I learned of Pete’s passing. He was one of my father’s closest friends,” said Matthew Teixeira, Nevada District 1 Umpire in Chief and son of Marv Teixeira. “They talked practically every day, discussing the three things they cherished most in their lives: their families, their community and their beloved San Francisco Giants. For the past 50-plus years, Pete worked tirelessly to make our community a better place. We all will benefit for generations to come thanks to Pete’s selfless civic involvement.
“Carson City lost a great leader today; Pete, you will be missed.”
In addition to his legislative service, Livermore was a past member of the Carson City Board of Supervisors from 1998-2010, a trustee on the Carson Tahoe Hospital board from 1995-2011; chairman of Carson Tahoe Healthcare System in 2010; Land Use Planning Advisory Council in the Division of State Lands, 2007-2010; vice chairman of the Carson Water Subconservancy District from 1999-2010; among others.
“Carson Tahoe is saddened by the loss of Pete Livermore, a trusted friend and part of the Carson Tahoe family for many years,” a statement from the hospital said. “He served as a trustee for Carson Tahoe Hospital from 1995-2011, was the board chair in 2010 and instrumental in bringing the regional medical center to fruition. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Laurie, and their family.”
He also was president of the Carson Youth Sports Association, holding that position from 1988 until 2012. He was a champion for getting the Edmonds Sports Complex built, knowing the benefits it would have to Carson City’s youth.
“Edmonds continues to add to the assets of the recreation programs we provide to the kids,” Livermore told the Nevada Appeal in 1999. “A lot of overall benefits to the city are out in those fields. It gives kids the ability to excel at something and be involved. Whenever you can do something for kids, you’re never wasting time. Taxpayers are footing the bill, but in my opinion, it’s a small investment. You can never go wrong when you do something for kids. There’s no cost to that calculation,” he said at the time.
“Pete Livermore was a Carson City icon and my friend,” said Ronni Hannaman, executive director Carson City Chamber of Commerce. “I always loved to talk to him about the early days in Carson City when he owned the A&W Restaurants and was involved in youth sports. His legacy as the father of youth sports can be found off Livermore Drive at the Edmonds Sports Complex. He made a difference in this community and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to Laurie and his family.”
Livermore was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1941. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958-1962. He came to Carson City after he was discharged from Pickel Meadows military training center in Northern California and opened an A&W Restaurant on Carson Street a few blocks south of the Capitol in the 1960s. Many in Carson remember him in that role and for many, their first job was as a teenager at that store.
“He played a big role in the lives of generations of young people in town, either through his A&W franchise, which was the place to be, or as president of the Carson Youth Sports Association,” said Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev.
He later opened another A&W on Highway 50 East near Carson High School.
“Pete and his family were friends of mine since high school and I am sad to hear of his passing,” said Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev.
Livermore is survived by his wife, Laurie, children Richard, Sheri and Jackie and several grandchildren.
“His legacy touched the lives of countless families across Northern Nevada through his commitment to youth athletics and public service,” said Gov. Brian Sandoval. “I had great respect for Pete and his passion for helping others. He always brightened everyone’s day with his attitude, smile and kindness. His contributions to the community and the Silver State will be felt for generations.”
He is the third Assembly member to die in office in just over one year. Democratic Assemblyman Joe Hogan died Friday in Virginia, about seven weeks after suffering a massive stroke. He was 77.
Democratic Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce, 59, died Oct. 10, 2013, after a battling a third bout of breast cancer.
“Pete was one of the good guys around here — an everyman turned elected official who always did what he thought was right for his constituents,” said Guy W. Farmer, long-time Nevada Appeal columnist. “He also had an inspiring personal story, from the time he was a Marine serving at Pickle Meadows, who fell in love with a local girl from Carson. Later, he became a successful businessman before he ran for office. We’ll miss our friend Pete.”
Services have not yet been announced.