Dear Neal, Mary and families. I was saddened to hear of your father's passing.  I always felt special around Don. He had a way of fussing over people that I hadn't experienced. Never had anyone "warmed" my coffee cup with hot water before serving me coffee. And of course, Don  and JoAnn always served special breads with the coffee to make the morning complete. It was better than any Bed and Breakfast!! I made sure to mention to my husband how "special" I was treated and eventually trained him to warm my coffee cup.  Among their many attributes, Don and JoAnn were very warm and caring people, and I will remember them very fondly. Please accept my sympathy in this time of loss.

Dear Neal & Family.  Thank you so much for contacting us about your Dad's death.  We've shared this news with our Dad and he sends very found memories of both your Mom and Dad during his years at Ball State.  Many a New Years Eve was spent with the Ferguson's when you and I were very little!  Cheers to a great man.

Neil, Teresa, (All), I haven't checked my email in a while and I was sorry to see that "Dad" passed away.  It was wonderful to have known Don and JoAnn and to have visited their great place in Las Cruces.  My favorite memory of "Dad was when he was telling me a story about something going on at the University, I believe it was some policy change or decision that was in process.  And "Dad" told me about it with SUCH PASSION, I could see how completely and sincerely he was taking the issue to heart.  It was one of the few times I have witnessed absolute passion for something being expressed.  I don't even remember the particular topic, I just remember "Dad's" passion.  They were great folks and I feel fortunate to have met them and blessed by Neil being my friend.

Uncle Don and Aunt Jo were so kind, caring and very loving people. have such wonderful memories of them and will miss them very much. I know that they are reunited and will forever live in my heart.

I too have wonderful memories of my great Uncle Don!  My sister Vicky and I loved our visits with them in Las Cruces and I especially remember their backyard… It was like an adventure waiting to happen back there!  I loved to sit and watch him play the piano… Always with a smile on his face! He and Aunt JoAnn were such a big part of my childhood and I will always have the fondest memories of both of them. My prayers go out to you all!

I have many wonderful memories of my Uncle Don, especially from my childhood.  When I think back, I can never recall a time that he was not of good cheer with a smile on his face.  One of the greatest holiday treats when I was a kid was eating uncle Don's delicious homemade peanut brittle that he made every Christmas.  I have no idea what was in the recipe, but I have never tasted anything that could be compared to it. He probably could have made a million dollars selling the stuff.  I will miss him.

Uncle Don was my musical inspiration as a child... I still can't help but think of him every time I sit at my piano, and how I used to watch him in awe as he would play "The Entertainer" when we would visit him and Aunt JoAnn in Las Cruces.  I am glad to know he is at peace now and will be holding hands in heaven with his beautiful JoAnn at last.  I send you all my prayers and lift you up in peace and love.  I will surely miss his beautiful Christmas letters!

God bless you Dr. Ferguson!  What a kind and gracious soul you were and are.... You were my other father and I simply adored you. The man that brought me Burt Bacharach and Herb Albert... the man who, with JoAnn, gave me another home filled with music, peace, phenomenal food and a place where I could be a boy feeling safe and secure.  

Just this past Saturday night with several friends over at the house for dinner for the 1st time, I (once again!!) got to tell / act my favorite “grace” ever told.  Setting the mood solemnly and quietly, I spoke briefly of the inimitable and wonderful Don Ferguson, and then asked that everyone bow their heads:  “Good food, good meat, GOOD GAWD, LET'S EAT!!!!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs and flapped my arms and hands over the top of my head.   It nearly knocked them out of their seats, Dr. Ferguson!   Thanks!!

Neil and Mary, your Dad was a wonderful man and I'm sad he's gone from our presence, happy that's he's left his pain. Honored and blessed that I was a part of his life, grateful that's he's forever part of mine.
Pete Thomas

Your parents were amazing people and wonderful friends!  After their move to Albuquerque, I started traveling a great deal up there on business and became a frequent visitor at the "Ferguson B&B".  Coming back to their home after a day of whatever happened to be going on, I could always count on wonderful conversation, music, and those amazing scones Don would make and serve...on a different set of dishes each time!  He would often go through the house and point out items with labels on the back with either "Mary" or "Neil" on the back indicating who was suppose to get what!  Always prepared for whatever came their way.  Thank you for sharing them with us all these years.

My sympathies go out to Don's family and also to his friends, who were many.  He was effective, gentle and kind.  He also was critical and intolerant of meanness -- from the highest form of government to individuals  I will miss him.

Sandy and I extend our condolences to you. We always enjoyed visiting with Don and JoAnn when they were in Albq. and have loved living in their home on Sundance Cir. Their memory lingers on here through the two tortoises they left behind.  I found one along the road one day and added it to the back yard, and the next spring we had four, then five,and now we have over 20.  Many have been given away to friends and neighbors, so Don and JoAnn are everywhere. I sent Don a photo and he said, "now we have grandtortoises".

OBITUARY

Donald Gene Ferguson

July 7, 1928 – January 11, 2015

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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