Ricki Allen Livingston

Ricki “Big Rick” Livingston

Ricki Livingston was born on February 19, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Sadie and Chester Livingston. He was the second of their children and, from the very beginning, was full of personality. His grandmother, Pearlie Mae, lovingly nicknamed him "Little Bird," a name that stayed with him throughout his early years.

As a young boy, Ricki moved with his family to Oakland, California, where he was raised. He attended St. Louis Bertrand Elementary School, later attended Elmhurst Junior High, and spent time at Castlemont High School.

Growing up, Ricki loved sports and was always full of energy. He was a power-hitting first baseman in Little League Baseball and a sharp-shooting guard in basketball for St. Louis Bertrand Elementary School, developing a competitive spirit and a love for being part of a team. But if there was one passion that stood above the rest, it was cars. Every Christmas he looked forward to receiving a new racing car set, and those childhood gifts sparked a lifelong fascination with automobiles.

As that fascination grew, so did Ricki's love for the lowrider culture. He became involved with several lowrider clubs, where he found lifelong friendships and a true sense of community. He took great pride in his cars, from the paint and interior to the hydraulics, and loved spending time with fellow enthusiasts, showing off not only his own ride but admiring everyone else's too. One of the cars he was especially proud of was his classic 1964 Impala, a car that reflected his style, his pride, and his lifelong passion for lowriders. Whether he was behind the wheel, under the hood, or parked with friends talking cars for hours, Ricki was right where he wanted to be. He loved everything that came with the lowrider lifestyle, the camaraderie, the craftsmanship, the cruising, and the friendships that lasted a lifetime.

As he got older, Ricki became known to many as "Big Rick." He was an avid weightlifter who spent countless hours pumping iron, building strength and proudly showing off his muscles. With a smile on his face, he often struck his best Hulk Hogan pose, entertaining friends and family with his larger-than-life personality.

Ricki also had a gift for making people laugh. He loved telling jokes and sharing funny stories, especially with his brother Chester, cousin David, and anyone willing to listen. If Ricki called you, chances were you were going to laugh before you hung up. His sense of humor was one of the many ways he showed his love, and he could brighten a room with his quick wit and infectious laugh.

If you knew Ricki, you knew he was going to speak his mind. He was outspoken, outgoing, and never one to sugarcoat what he was thinking. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew where Ricki stood. He loved good conversation, loved being around people, and never met too many strangers. Ricki was unapologetically himself, and people respected him for it.

Before his love for lowriders took center stage, Ricki enjoyed dancing. As a teenager and young adult, he became known for his smooth robot dance moves, entertaining family and friends with his talent and style. He also loved collecting designer tennis shoes and took pride in his appearance, especially with his hair. Whether it was hanging in curls, or pulled back into a tight ponytail, Ricki wore his hair with pride throughout most of his life. Anyone who knew Ricki knew his hair was part of his signature look.

Professionally, Ricki worked a variety of labor-intensive jobs over the years. He worked as a custodian for the Oakland Unified School District, where he continued his strong work ethic.

When it was time to relax, Ricki could usually be found watching some of his favorite television shows, especially Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, and just about anything on B.E.T. He enjoyed the simple things in life, good conversations, spending time with the people he loved, and never passing up the chance to tell a joke or make somebody laugh.

Among those closest to him, Ricki was known as a protector. At family parties and gatherings, he naturally became the unofficial bouncer. He always kept an eye on what was going on, made sure everybody was good, and if something didn't seem right, he'd step in without hesitation. Looking out for family wasn't something he talked about, it was simply who he was.

To his sister-in-law Lolita, Ricki was much more than a brother, he was her bodyguard. She always knew Ricki had her back. His quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and willingness to stand up for the people he loved were just a few of the many ways he showed his love.

His love for family extended to the next generation as well. Ricki shared a special bond with his beloved niece, Angel Pearl Livingston, whom he affectionately called "Face."  Angel also attended St. Louis Bertrand Elementary School, and one of Ricki's favorite things to do was surprise her by sneaking candy through the fence from the neighborhood store. It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the kind of uncle he was. He found joy in making the people he loved smile, and those sweet memories will be treasured forever.

Above all else, Ricki cherished his family. He leaves behind three beautiful daughters; a brother; extended family; lifelong friends; and all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Ricki will be remembered for his infectious laughter, his love of cars, his strength, his loyalty, his honesty, his sense of humor, and the unmistakable presence he brought wherever he went. He lived life on his own terms, loved deeply, protected fiercely, laughed often, and left an impression that will never be forgotten.

Though Ricki's journey on earth has come to an end, the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy lives on in every story told, every laugh shared, every classic car admired, and every life he touched.