David John Ferguson

With great sadness, the family announces the death of David John Ferguson.

Dave was a devoted husband to Joan, father to Karen (Mike) and Sandra (Lawrence), and grandfather to Tanisha and Hollis.

Dave was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, to William John Ferguson, originally of County Tyrone in what is now Northern Ireland, and Mabel Emily Thompson, originally of Muskoka, Ontario. He was predeceased by his five elder sisters.

Dave grew up on his family homestead east of Swift Current. He spent Grades 1-8 in a one-room country schoolhouse, and attended Swift Current CI for high school (class of ’54). In 1958, Dave graduated with great distinction from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in engineering physics. After three years in the oil business, Dave returned to university for courses in business administration.

While working for Saskatchewan Power in Regina, he met and married Joan (Johnston). Seeking challenge and change, Dave and the family moved to Toronto, and he and Joan resided in Etobicoke for more than 50 years. In 1991, Dave retired from the Ontario public service, and subsequently pursued independent interests including travels to China and Europe, study of languages including Mandarin and Italian, writing a book on management and devoting time and energy to his family. In 2022, Dave’s health began a slow decline, and he ultimately entered palliative care in early December 2024.

Dave was dearly loved by his family, along with many friends across cultures and generations. They will all miss Dave for his quiet brand of loving kindness, his prairie pragmatism, his zest for adventure, and his love of a good party.

The family would like to thank St. Joseph’s Health Centre, including the staff of the Lake House Palliative Care Centre. We also thank Gen Kelsang Togden and Mike Lukacko, for their care of Dave in body and spirit during his last days.

At Dave’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering him with a donation to a charity of your choice.

“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.”