Longtime Carson City businessman, elected leader Pete Livermore dies

Pete Livermore, a longtime Carson City elected leader and business owner, died Monday at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. He was 73.

Livermore was a Nevada Assemblyman who decided this year that he would not seek re-election. He began in the Assembly District 40 on Feb. 7 2011. Before that, Livermore was a member of the Carson City Board of Supervisors, 1998-2010; was Mayor pro Tem, Carson City, 2004-2006. He was a Trustee, Carson Tahoe Hospital, 1995-2011; Chair, Carson Tahoe Healthcare System, 2010; Land Use Planning Advisory Council, Division of State Lands, 2007-2010; Vice Chair, Carson Water Subconservancy District, 1999-2010; Nevada Commission on Aging, 2007-2009. He was a U.S. Marine Corps member from 1958-1962.

Livermore died late this morning of an apparent heart attack after being brought into the emergency room, said Ed Epperson, president and CEO of Carson Tahoe Health.

Livermore was born in 1941 in New Orleans. He responded to Facebook messages made to him in March of this year wishing him a happy birthday. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, and 3 children: Richard, Sheri and Jackie Livermore Muth, deputy director of Nevada Department of Public Safety.

News of his passing began circulating this afternoon.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said even before he worked with Livermore for eight years when Livermore was a Carson City Supervisor, he knew him growing as a teenager, when the Livermore family owned the A&W restaurant.

"He always had the kids in front of his heart," said Furlong. "The A&W was a key spot for myself and other kids growing up here. Later, he would become an elected leader where I saw him grapple with some of the most difficult decisions in his political career. It is a devastating loss for Carson City today."

Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce said “Pete was a Carson City icon and did so much good for the community, not only as a businessman for many years, but as an elected official. He served 12 years as Carson City Supervisor and decided not to seek a third term as our Assemblyman. He was the father of youth sports and active in just about everything. He loved Carson City, his wonderful wife Laurie and his family. I shall miss his optimistic attitude.”

“I am saddened today to hear of the passing of Assemblyman Pete Livermore," said Nevada Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick. "Pete was always full of life, and a fantastic friend in Carson City, a town he chose to raise his family in, start his career, and loved so dearly. Pete will be missed, but not soon forgotten. His speeches on the Assembly floor were always heartfelt and impassioned, and he could bring a smile to everyone’s face. Myself, and the entire Assembly Democratic Caucus extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time.”

Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell said: "I am terribly saddened by the passing of my friend, Assemblyman Pete Livermore. 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."

Gov. Brian Sandoval released the following statement: “Pete Livermore was a champion of Carson City. His legacy touched the lives of countless families across Northern Nevada through his commitment to youth athletics and public service. Pete dedicated his life to his constituents while serving as a Carson City Supervisor and Nevada State Assemblyman. I had great respect for Pete and his passion for helping others. He always brightened everyone's day with his attitude, smile and kindness. Nevada and the Legislature lost a great man today and he will be missed. His contributions to the community and the Silver State will be felt for generations. Pete's wife, Laurie, and their three children will remain in Kathleen’s and my thoughts and prayers.”

Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) released the following statement: "I was saddened today to learn of the sudden passing of my friend Pete Livemore. My sincere condolences go out to Laurie and his family.

"Born in the Pelican State, Pete joined the Marines and made his way West, falling in love with and marrying a Carson City girl. 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 the president of the Carson Youth Sports Association.

"As a legislator, Pete's first thoughts were for the people in his district. He was most influenced by his constituents and did not play party politics. He always felt he was elected to represent all the people in his district. Pete loved Carson City and was proud to represent the Capital City. Rest in peace, Marine."

Carson Tahoe Health issued the following statement in response to Livermore's death: "Carson Tahoe is saddened by the loss of Pete Livermore, a trusted friend and part of the Carson Tahoe family for many years. 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."

To read more about his contributions in the community go here for a Memoriam by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced soon.

Livermore is the second Nevada lawmaker to die in less than a week. Assemblyman Joe Hogan, 77, died Friday in Virginia after suffering a stroke several weeks ago. Like Livermore, Hogan chose not to run for re-election.