Donald Howard Ferguson
July 16th, 1940 – August 30th, 2014
Donald Howard Ferguson, otherwise known as Pug to his family and close friends, lost the battle of a lifetime Saturday, August 30th at which time he began the next chapter of his journey. He fought long and hard and was blessed to be surrounded by his loving family. Wife Sandy, his four children: daughters, Terry, Dawn, Tracy, son Mark along with granddaughter Sarah when he left this world and continued his journey to the other side.
Born the 16th day of July 1940, in San Diego, California to mother Lorna Doone Burrell Ferguson and father Donald Ferguson. He was truly a great man, husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, brother in law, uncle in addition to a respected friend and mentor to many! He was a beautiful person that adored his children and was inseparable from his lifelong love and bride of 56 years. Pug and Sandy met and fell in love when they were just children, she 13 and he 15. It was an unconventional courtship with youth working against them, but fortunately, Sandy knew she had met her soul mate, and asked him to marry her. And so they were married December 19th 1958.
He was a wonderfully strong person and had true conviction and dedication for what he believed in. Strong family values, and an impeccable 32 year career with the California Division of Forestry which he gained respect from both his peers and colleagues alike. He began his career as he would put it, “a snot nose punk”. Starting as a seasonal firefighter, he worked his way through the ranks the old fashioned way, with hard work and true passion. He retired 32 years later as the Assistant Regional Chief of Operations Region 1.
One of the most admirable of his traits was his adoration and commitment to the underdog, especially for those who he felt did not have a voice. He would often champion those who he believed needed a helping hand, more specifically the Native American community. He was fascinated with the Nez Perce tribe and thought Chief Joseph was an unsung American hero. Pug would take his family to the desert searching for relics left from a tradition and way of life lost so long ago. I, like the rest of my family, cherish these memories and know that we are all better for having had him in our lives.
He will be remembered by all that he touched and I along with my entire family take solace in knowing that we will once again have him back at the end of each of our journey’s.
The journey does not end here it is merely the beginning. I remember him telling me on many occasions “Ain’t any of us getting out of this alive & if I am the first to go I will be the luckiest SOB in the world”. Well, he left us the luckiest SOB in the world, he like in most situations got his way.
We all miss you very much!