Obituary of John Ambrose Ferguson

April 18, 1947 –  September 3, 2023

John Ambrose Ferguson, of Calgary, AB, passed away in hospital on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the age of 76 years.

John was born in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario and spent his formative years enjoying his passion for the outdoors at the family cabin on Arrow Lake. John graduated from Hammarskjold High School and in 1969, he and Mary Lynne were married.

John played hockey from 1967 to 1969 for the Canadian National Team where he made lifelong friends and had incredible adventures. From 1969 to 1972 he played professionally in the International Hockey League for the Des Moines Oak Leafs.

He returned to Thunder Bay in 1972 where he started to work for the Canadian Grain Commission. His daughters, Kirsten and Cara were born, and were the joy of John and Mary Lynne’s life. He continued to play hockey with the Thunder Bay Twins in the USHL and over the years, enjoyed working with his hands doing carpentry. There was always a project on the go, or one being planned.

In 1993 John and his family moved to Lethbridge, AB where the girls went to university and he continued his work with the grain commission until his retirement in 2004.

In 2009 his grandson, Cole was born and filled John “Grumps” with immeasurable love and joy.  Travel became a huge part of John’s (AKA Mapman) retirement; there were many unforgettable and often hilarious adventures with family and friends.

John loved spending time at his home in Kimberley, as well as spending summers together with family and friends at Flathead Lake.  Family and friends were his world.

Besides his loving wife, Mary Lynne, John is survived by his daughter Cara (Chad) Morgan of Foothills, AB, grandson, Cole, and brothers-in-law, Patrick Gale (Joni) and Brett Gale; nieces, Samantha Mutzeneek (Lee) and Shawna Gale; and nephew Josh Coles (Lindsay). John was predeceased by his daughter Kirsten Ferguson, mother Edna Ferguson, father John "JJ" Ferguson, and sister Jane Ferguson.

If I should go tomorrow

It would never be goodbye,

For I have left my heart with you,

So don’t you ever cry.

The love that’s deep within me,

Shall reach you from the stars,

You’ll feel it from the heavens,

And it will heal the scars.

- Author Unknown

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.

In living memory of John Ferguson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.