Obituary of FERGUSON – Gordon Lawrence

March 9, 1919 – May 27, 2010 Gordon Lawrence Ferguson beloved husband of Peggy Ferguson of Calgary passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 27th at the age of 91 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his daughters Deborah Ferguson and her husband (Douglas W. Rix), and Janice Baker (Bradley) and her husband Jim Baker, his niece Shirley Baender (Horst) and grandchildren (Laura & Kiri Rix, and Michael, Katherine (Duncan Unrau) and Cameron Baker (Stacey) and great grandson, Charles Baker. He is predeceased by his sister Bessie Knoblauch (John). Gordon was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Annie Ferguson (Wilkinson) and William James Ferguson on March 9, 1919. He attended King Edward Elementary and Moose Jaw Technical High School where he graduated with business courses. He worked at the National Fruit Company in Moose Jaw, then took a job in accounting with the CPR. He transferred to Edmonton and then Calgary where he met Peggy (Hazel Margaret Walsh) in the South Calgary United Church theatre group. In one production, he won an acting award presented by Dr. Betty Mitchell. Gordon was briefly transferred to Toronto in 1947. He married Peggy in 1948 and they lived in Toronto until 1951 when they returned to Calgary. He worked for CP Oil and Gas for 38 years in accounting and as Land Titles Manager. After retirement at the age of 60, he worked for Jack Pierce of Ranger Oil. However, he never retired from service as a member of the United Church of Canada. He was chairman of the board responsible for the building of Southminster United Church to accommodate the growing congregation of South Calgary United (1911-2002). He served in many capacities, on Presbytery, the Friendship Club and other committees and his quiet leadership and service was respected by all. Gordon sang in the Trinity Church choir in Moose Jaw, South Calgary, Southminster, and St. Matthew’s United Churches until his recent illness. Friday mornings for nearly twenty years were dedicated to providing a church service and sing-a-long for Sarcee Nursing Home residents. Gordon and Peggy were active members of the Richmond Revellers square and round dancing clubs, planning the social events. Gordon was often recruited as master of ceremonies or Santa and was known for his dry humour and kind words. He was blessed with a large and cherished group of faithful friends with whom they travelled the world, played cards and supported in times of trouble. His was a life lived in service to others. “Well done good and faithful servant.” A Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthew’s United Church (2039 – 26A Street S.W.) on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to St. Matthew’s United Church. In living memory of Gordon Ferguson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.