Obituary of Herman Paul Ferguson

August 30, 1932 - Wakaw, Saskatchewan

March 4, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Herman “Bob” Paul Ferguson, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the age of 91 years.

Beloved husband of Sonia Ferguson, Bob will be deeply missed by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Sheldon and Zoe Ferguson and Shawn and Codie Ferguson; his daughter and son-in-law Janay Ferguson-Siciliano and Mario Siciliano, as well as his seven grandchildren, Jake, Max, Olivia, Dylan, Zack, Connor, Kennedy (husband Jared); great-grandson Wyatt.

Bob also loved his wife's children dearly, Scott and Dean McClelland, Patty Grant (nee McClelland), and Spouse Garett Grant.

Bob was born in Wakaw, SK, on August 30, 1932, or was it August 31,1932? How strange not to know, but to be honest Bob and his ID were confused too. We also never really knew what his true given names were because sometimes it was Herman Paul and sometimes Herman Paul Matthew and sometimes just Matthew, but all the time it was Bob. This was a running family joke, and we often had a good laugh over his many names and birthdays Bob had. One thing is for sure, Joseph Ferguson and Justine Paranteau knew his name and date of birth (legally August 30, 1932). They were his beloved parents who raised this magnificent man.

Bob was an active kid and a natural sports enthusiast. He was not the type to sit still for very long and it was quickly apparent that he would much rather be playing lake hockey with his buddies than sitting in a stuffy classroom writing in a notebook. While Bob was a quick study, he quickly learned that he shined being a part of a vibrant, active community. Bob was a people guy, always the life of the party, the one that everyone knew as “Fergie”.  Even at his place of work, no one referred to him as Bob, in fact, no one even knew that was his first name!

As a young man and proud Canadian Veteran, Bob joined the Canadian Army Active Force. He played hockey for the Army and was proud to serve his country. Later Bob became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Bob and his wife Sonia enjoyed many special events and ceremonies at the Legion. It wasn’t unusual for Bob and Sonia to spend a Friday night dancing to Elvis tunes with their legion friends.

Bob loved his career as a Building Inspector at the City of Calgary. He was a dedicated employee and a public servant for over 35 years. In all of those years, he only missed one day of work!

He was a passionate guy, whether it was sports, skiing, or winemaking he knew how to live life. He was laid back, cool, and kind. He volunteered as a hockey coach in the community of Bonavista and played hockey into his senior years. He knew all the kid's names on the team and would regularly bump into these same kids as adults and address them as if not a day had gone by since he saw them last.

Bob had a talent for fixing, building, and tinkering and was always eager to learn new things. Bob also enjoyed playing the organ, which he taught himself as an adult.

Bob and his wife enjoyed vacationing and they especially enjoyed spending time at Bob’s vacation home in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA. Going over the border to shop, pop into the casino or sight-see was always a welcome impromptu trip. Bob went with the flow and never turned down a night out, a vacation, a good dinner with friends, or the opportunity to play with his grandkids.

He was that Grandpa, the kind that got down on his hands and knees and played. Even as a Dad, he was so good at teaching practical skills in life. Learning how to hammer properly, ride a bike, play cards or even shine a pair of leather shoes. He would even allow the kids to dress him up like a “Baba” and then proceed to let them take goofy pictures of him.  He cared so much about his grandkids that when his eight-year-old granddaughter found out that Grandma and Grandpa were not married, he made sure to rectify it.  Within two weeks Grandma and Grandpa had a shotgun wedding in Vegas to seal the deal after 21 years of common-law bliss. This year would have been 41 years that they were together.

One of the greatest loves of his life was his wife, Sonia. He adored her, and the two were inseparable. They created a beautiful life together, side by side, partners and best friends. Right until the very last days, he would tell Sonia how much he loved her daily. She was his everything and it showed.

Bob will be remembered for his contagious smile, kind heart, and his playful sense of humor. He had a special way of making everyone around him feel valued and loved. His signature "wink" and "me-too" jokes will be treasured by his family and friends. Bob will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. As one family member put it, "This will leave a big dent in our family."

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca or Royal Canadian Legion, Centennial Calgary Branch 285, 9202 Horton Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X4, Telephone: 403-255-5772, https://www.rcl285.ca.

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

In living memory of Herman 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.