Michael H. Livingston

Michael Hiram Livingston, 43, of Moline, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center in Davenport, Iowa. He faced cancer and the daily demands of Type 1 diabetes with remarkable resilience and determination. Though his time was far too short, Michael filled his life with knowledge, creativity, and a deep love for his family.

Born on April 28, 1982, in San Diego, California, Michael was the son of Herbert and Susan (Tripp) Livingston. From an early age, he displayed a curious mind and a natural talent for technology. He attended North Branch Wesleyan Academy and pursued Pre-Med studies at Pensacola Christian College and Ferris State University before directing his abilities toward the rapidly changing world of technology.

Michael previously married Bethany Sullivan, the mother of two of his children, who preceded him in death. On June 19, 2007, he married Melissa Cline, the love of his life, in Lapeer, Michigan. Together they created a home filled with laughter, imagination, and adventure while raising their five children.

He built a distinguished career in technology and communications, serving as Collaboration Analyst at John Deere, Senior Telecom Administrator at Blizzard Entertainment, Vice President at MUFG, and most recently as Senior Global Collaboration Engineer at Fragomen. His expertise in unified communications, networking, and collaboration technologies earned him recognition as a trusted leader. Among his many accomplishments, he received the Presidential Award at MUFG for his vital role in transitioning thousands of employees to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael was passionately immersed in gaming, a pursuit that became both career and community. He was proudly credited in several Blizzard titles, including World of Warcraft: Legion, Starcraft: Nova Covert Ops, Starcraft: Remastered, Hearthstone, and World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth. At home, he enjoyed building computers, experimenting with 3D printing, watching Star Trek alongside his dogs Spock and Seven of Nine, exploring anime, and discovering new games. He cherished sharing these interests with his children, from Nerf wars in the office to hours spent together in Minecraft. Known affectionately as “Bat-dad” after heroically saving his daughter Ryah’s life during a hospital stay, Michael also held a special love for Ford Mustangs, gardening, the outdoors, the ocean, wildlife, and especially sea turtles. He was a devoted traveler who always returned home with small treasures for his family, quiet reminders that his heart remained with them no matter the distance.

Michael is survived by his wife, Melissa Livingston; children, Kai, Ryah, Allie, Sophie, and Lochlann Livingston; parents, Herbert (Pam) Livingston of Fenton, Michigan and Susan (Jeff) Rupp of Weeki Wachee, Florida; sister, Brittany (Ricky) Yates; Pam’s children, Paige (Joe) and Nick (Bre); in-laws, Ron and Karilynn Cline; brother-in-law, Josh (Laura) Cline; a niece, many nephews, and dear friends he considered family.

Though he has logged out far too soon, the worlds Michael helped build, both digital and real, will continue through the people who loved him most.