It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father on Father’s Day, June 19, 2022 at the Ana Cala Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with his 3 GIRLS by his side.
Born in Florence on January 8, 1935 , dad was the son of Roy and Dorothy (Greenwell) Ferguson of Florence. Dad grew up in a very large family which shaped the person he became. He was the 3rd oldest of 17 children and often joked that you had to get up early in the morning or you didn’t have a pair of pants to wear. He told many stories of growing up and the antics that he and his siblings and friends would get up to.
Dad worked as a coal miner for many years retiring in 1991 from Prince Mine in Point Aconi. He told many stories over the years from giving some of his co-workers a little bear hug to giving their hand a little squeeze, but some of the best stories came from the guys who worked with him. We heard about these as we got much older. Many of his co-workers said he was one of the hardest workers in the Pitt. We know that to be true because he was the same way when he was home.
Dad your forever listening ear that never judged, your natural ability to give your undivided attention to whichever one of us that needed it, and for loving us all unconditionally. We have all been truly blessed and are so very proud to be able to call you our dad.
Kind, Selfless, Humble, Hardworking, Strong are just a few of your many wonderful qualities that made you so special not only to us but to anyone who knew you.
Besides his girls, he was so very proud of his grandchildren. He gave you all the most precious gift of all, his time. Whether it be a walk down to Jackie Pacquets store for candy, a free skate on Saturday morning, a hockey game, a baseball game, or just a much needed little chat, you always knew that Poppy would be there for you and that was priceless.
Left to mourn are his 3 precious girls of whom he was so very proud, Nancy (Brian) O’Toole, Karen (Bill) Taylor, Kimberly Denise (Jodi), his grandchildren Shawn (Emma) Taylor, Ryan Readman, Lauren Readman and Ashley (Chris) Nunn as well as step grandchildren Michael (Melissa) O’Toole and Alisha O’Toole and great grandchildren Olivia, Jameson and Theodore Nunn and step great grandchildren Brooklyn and Carter O’Toole. He is also survived by his siblings Florence, Earl, Kenny, David, Colleen and Archie.
Dad was predeceased by the love of his life Audrey, his siblings Wilfred, Helen, Jennie, Robert, Shirley, Beverly Ann, Ann Ruth, Margie, Betty Jean and John.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, June 24th at Carman United Church, 1 Clyde Ave., Sydney Mines with Rev. Nick Phillips officiating. Inurnment to follow in Brookside Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.
We know you are now at peace with mom and I am sure mom had a good cup of tea waiting for you when you arrived in Heaven. Love you with all of our hearts!
