Eric George Ferguson

Ferguson, Eric George – 72 of Halifax passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 8th, 2013 in the Halifax QEII Hospital after a lengthy illness. Eric was born on April 6th, 1940 in Wait-A-Bit, Trelawny Jamaica to parents Madlyn Bryan and Alden Ferguson (both deceased)

Eric is survived by his wife of 35 years, Vivian (Gillis); loving children Lorraine (Ronald) Ferguson of Saskatoon, Elaine (Ashton II) Ferguson of Calgary; Yvonne (Richard) Ferguson, Raymond, Sandra and Erica all of Halifax. He was the brother of Doreen Wallace; two bothers Derrick Gibbs, Huntley Gibbs and their spouses. Eric was a proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren; Ashton “Babou”, Shanice, Ronald Jr. “Popsie”, Raytesha, Teshay, Norman “Mateo”, Rodeem and Isaac; and was Uncle to 6 nieces and nephews and 18 great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Marie Ferguson, brother Paul Gibbs and foster father Victor Gibbs.

Eric began his career in 1957 as a Merchant Seaman and proudly immigrated to Canada in 1978. He sailed most notably with Gypsum Transport Ltd. on the Gypsum King, Duchess and Baron from the late 1970’s – 1991 and retired from Rigel Shipping Canada Inc. in 2007. He travelled to countless ports in North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While he loved life at sea and remained a sailor at heart, Eric enjoyed long walks on the Halifax Waterfront, fishing for mackerel and heated discussions about politics and the ‘old days’ with his life-long friends Arnold, Sam and Slim. Bursting with love, even in his final days Eric would greet friends and family with a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile.

Visitation will take place at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax B3S0E1 (455-0531) on Sunday March 17 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Funeral service officiated by pastor Ato Mensah will take place at 11am on Tuesday March 19 at JA Snow Funeral Home. Followed by burial in Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Donations in Eric’s name may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Special thanks to everyone that cared for Eric in his final days, especially the nurses and staff on 8.2 at the QEII.