October 23, 1933 – March 5, 2012

Luther Elwin Ferguson

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Luther Ferguson on Monday, March 5, 2012. Luther was born on October 23, 1933, to Zella Ferguson (nee Anderson) and Aylmer Ferguson. He was the oldest of 7 children. He was predeceased by his sisters Lois Ferguson and Isa Nelson. Luther is survived by his loving family: his siblings Elnora (Everett) Whelan, Lynn (Bob) Tunstall, Burt (Joan) Ferguson, Hugh (Fern) Ferguson; his children Roy (Lynn) Ferguson, Corrine (Kevin) Gallagher; his grandchildren Tanner Ferguson and Kate Gallagher and his wife of 49 years Margaret (nee Cripps) Ferguson. Luther spent his first 15 years in the Mayview district. After working on local farms, he and a friend hopped a train and headed for McBride, BC to find work in the logging camps. At 18, he joined the military. He was shipped out to Korea at age 19, an experience that profoundly affected him for the rest of his life. He served in Korea until the peace treaty was signed in 1953. On his return home, he entered service with National Parks as a tower man and not long after started his long career as a National Park Warden. Luther’s first posting was at Crean Lake in Prince Albert National Park. This was his first home with Margaret after they were married in 1962. They were there till 1965, when they moved to Pine Grove, then to Boundary Cabin. During these years two children Roy and Corrine were born. In 1969 National Parks took them to Rogers Pass, BC and from there to Fort Smith, NWT. In 1976 it was time to return home. Luther and his family lived in Waskesiu until 1984 when they bought a house in Prince Albert. Luther’s final years with the park were spent at Sturgeon Crossing and after 34 years of Federal Service, he retired in 1988. Luther worked part-time with the Corps of Commissionaires for a few years after retirement. Luther’s retirement years were spent in avid pursuit of the wild blueberry; the elusive pickerel and the tender jumper. We suspect that has something to do the point he often made “every day in retirement is a GOOD day”. Throughout his life he delighted in music; he had a beautiful singing voice and took great pleasure in the violin in particular. Luther always loved woodwork and discovered wood turning in his 70’s; Luther was a great cook and will be long remembered for his famous pancakes and bannock. Luther had a strong faith in his higher power; he was an idealist who needed to take care of those in need of help. He knew that his single helping hand could make a difference to many. Luther loved his family more than anything. He spoke proudly of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their children; loved and enjoyed his siblings dearly and loved the Cripps family that he married into. All were dear to him and the children especially so. He was a good neighbor, a good man and a wonderful husband and father. A celebration of his life will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, March 10 at the Calvary United Church – 114 – 25 Street East. Linda Klughart will officiate. In lieu of flowers it is the family’s request that donations may be made to the Homeless Shelter. Family and friends may send email condolences to www.riverparkfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Colette Kadziolka, Funeral Director, RIVER PARK MEMORIAL CHAPEL 764-272.

• Date : 2012-03-05 06:00:00