Franklin James Ferguson

Ferguson, Franklin James late of Radville, Saskatchewan, passed away Friday, May 4, 2012 at the age of 88 years. Franklin was born, the only child to Bill and Elizabeth Ferguson, on October 14, 1923 in Radville, Saskatchewan. Franklin spent his early years living in the town of Radville where his father ran the bakery. In 1928 Frank’s father filed a homestead claim and moved four miles south of Radville. During the thirties he was sent to live with his Aunt in St. Catherines, Ontario. He received some of his elementary and high schooling in Radville. He attended the University of Saskatchewan with intentions of becoming a veterinarian, however the forces of nature brought him back to the farm before he completed the training. In 1940 the family moved across the road to the site of Hillcrest Farms where Franklin worked with his father running Hillcrest Dairies until 1951. Franklin continued mixed farming and other livestock ventures. During the winters Franklin kept busy with carpentry jobs in Radville and area. On October 19, 1957 Franklin married the love of his life, Patricia Hannon and they shared many wonderful years together before she passed away in 2006. Together they raised their 3 children; Lori, Stewart and Darryl. He enjoyed spending time at their cabin at White Bear Lake and woodworking in which he made many outdoor Christmas decorations. Franklin was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 56 years and a member of the Regina WaWa Shrine Club. He spent many enjoyable hours promoting the Shiners on the mini-bike patrol in various parades around the province. He was also active in fundraising activities that assisted the Shiner’s Hospital. Frank was also very active in his community spending 12 years as the Central School Board Chairman, 7 years as a Boy Scout leader, 13 years as R.M. councilor and serving 15 years on the Recreation Board. After living on the farm south of Radville for 65 years he moved into town in 1988. Franklin received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2005 to recognize his significant contributions to society. In 2007 he became a resident of the Radville Marian Home. Franklin enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up in the community of which he was such an integral part of. He was proud to become a great grandfather in 2011. He is one of the last of a generation shaped by the hardships of the first half of the 20th century and he has been a valuable part of the fabric that has shaped Radville and area.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ferguson, and his parents William and Elizabeth Ferguson. He will be lovingly remembered by: daughter, Lori (Barry) Larsen and children, Christopher Larsen, Laurel (Brodie) Weisgerber and their son, Jaxson, and Ian Larsen; son, Stewart (Marilyn) Ferguson and children, Dane Ernst, Karla Ernst, Monica (Cody) Doud and daughter, Mya, and Brennan Ernst, Daniel and Sam Ferguson; son, Darryl (Juliette) Ferguson and children, Kayla Ferguson and Mitchell Ferguson.

A Memorial Service was held Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. from Radville United Church, Radville, SK, with Reverend Cordelia Karpenko officiating. Interment took place at Laurier Cemetery, Radville, SK. Donations in memory of Franklin may be made to the Radville Laurier Regional Park Pool Fund.