Neil Burr Livasy, 74, of Traverse City passed away in Florida at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, of complications from a heart attack, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Neil was born on Nov. 25, 1947, in Traverse City to Forrest and Maxine (Lucas) Livasy. He graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1965.
On May 23, 1980, he married Sue Conklin, in his own words, 'my best partner and true love.' Sue and Neil spent 50 years together, 42 of them married, raising their family, traveling and enjoying their life together.
Neil fought honorably in Vietnam and returned home to graduate from Ferris State College with a BS in Land Surveying. After completing his apprenticeship, he founded Grand Traverse Surveying Company in 1988, with $500 and a self-correcting typewriter. He was passionate about his profession and loved being outdoors in all kinds of weather. Over the next 20 years, he built it into a successful and respected business.
Neil was active in the Cherryland Beagle Club, and he raised an AKC International Field Champion, Oakdales Rusty. He coached American Legion Baseball for many years and he served on the board of the Michigan Surveyors Museum in Lansing. In 2008, he had the honor of serving as President of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors. He was a member of the Grand Traverse County Road Commission, owned and restored several classic cars and for many years was the Event Director of the Cherry Festival Classic Car Show.
On Dec. 13, 2014, Neil had a double-lung transplant at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit which made him thankful for his loved ones every day.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Noel Livasy. He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Michelle Stevenson (Mark), Derek Beyer and Nicholas Burr Livasy; along with 10 loving grandchildren, Stuart, Delaney, Jack, Eleanor Stevenson, Erica Lennon, Ainsley, Devon, Liberty, Harley and Sawyer Livasy; sister-in-law, Leigh Taylor; and three nephews.
Funeral Services were held in the Spring of 2023 in Traverse City. Donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org.