Gregory James Livy, a student of Parade’s final year class of 1977, has died in San Francisco after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Just three days short of his 60th birthday, Greg leaves behind his wife of 30 years Cathy, sons Daniel and Tyler, sisters Brenda (who graciously assisted with this obituary) and Pauline, along with older brother Andrew, six nieces and one nephew.

The son of Kathleen and Charles Livy (deceased), Greg attended St Thomas’ Clifton Hill for the final years of his primary schooling before the family relocated to Elder Street, Greensborough.

Greg joined Parade as a Year 7 student in 1972, having followed Andrew to the College. Midway through 1976, not long after featuring in a Year 11 class photograph with the likes of John Dinan (the 1977 College Captain and now OPA Committeeman), Greg left to take up a building apprenticeship.

He moved to San Francisco in 1986 where he met and married Cathy McGarvey and set up business as a master builder. He was known for the high quality of his work and his personal integrity with his workers in treating them like family. His spare time was spent riding his bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, watching the Giants play baseball and laughing.

Two years ago, Greg visited Melbourne and caught up with some of his old Parade schoolmates including Paul Smith and Father Joe Caddy. Another reason for this visit was to watch his son Daniel represent the United States in the International AFL World Cup Rules competition. Daniel, who will be returning next year to again represent the US, currently chases the leather for the Oakland Pirates in the Golden Gate AFL league.

Greg loved his city by the Bay. On Sunday (August 4), in the Chapel of Our Lady in the Presidio, San Francisco, a Memorial Service will be held in his honour.