David Charles Ferguson

It’s with heavy hearts that the family and friends of David Charles Ferguson announce that Dave shot for the eight ball to beat cancer but unfortunately on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 the ball did not drop his way. As he would say, “a swing and a miss.”

Dave was born in Lansing, MI to Charles and Norma (Decker) Ferguson. He was the youngest of their four children when he joined Constance, Richard, and Kathryn on September 21, 1959. He lived all of his 61 years in DeWitt, enjoying the closeness with his family and many friends, including many from his class of 1979. Dave also enjoyed his summers up on Lake Missaukee where he won the hearts of more friends who became known as his lake family.

Dave’s most joyous and proud moment was the birth of his son David Michael June 25, 1988. His saddest moments came when David was tragically taken from him on May 18, 2015. One of Dave’s happiest moments was when he married Rose (Pryor-Perla) on August 24, 2002 during the Ox Roast evening festivities, ending with the fireworks, and where he accepted her children, Jessica (Perla) Dominguez and Jonathan Perla as family. Jessica added three beautiful grandchildren to the family and Dave was proud to call Isabella, JJ, and Amelia Dominguez his own.

Dave has gone before us to be with our loving Lord Jesus Christ and has reunited with his son, David Michael, mother, Norma, brother, Rick, grandparents, Roy and Irene Decker, Glen and Esther Ferguson, and brother-in-law, Jim Howland. Among the many friends and family left to cherish Dave’s memory are his wife, Rosey; his father, Charles; sisters, Connie (Mike) Botke, Kathy Ferguson; daughter, Jessica; son, Jon; granddaughters, Isabella and Amelia; grandson, JJ; and special friends he called brothers, Jeff Blankenship and Roger Schlick.

Although he was unable to complete all the adventures of his dreams, Dave was blessed with many, and many more memories. He was a true MSU Spartan fan loving the green and white, owning a 6 foot carved replica of Sparty for his Spartan themed family room. Dave worked and played hard. His career involved many opportunities that included working at the Heatherwood Dairy Farm in Lansing until the plant closed. His true calling was when he became an electrician and found his talent. He mentored and lead others in the trade and gained respect from customers and inspectors.

Dave made new friends, watched over the neighborhood, was the tool man, the go to guy, the bonfire guy. These were among his happy moments. He loved playing Billiards at home and at social gatherings. He spent many hours trying to improve his shot, his game. He and several friends were part of a Billiard team for many years. He enjoyed playing cards, playing and watching golf, and playing the corn hole board game. He loved to teach others to play. His specialty was building large bonfires. It was his way of calling friends and family together. A favorite line of Dave’s was “If I build it, they will come.”

Dave’s adventures included many summers camping and river trips, before he finally settled for spending time at his favorite place, their cottage on Lake Missaukee -his piece of heaven. He liked watching the sunrises, the sunsets, the moon over the lake, the eagles flying by, the too many to count pontoons and jet ski rides. Sharing these experiences with Rosey, family, and friends made these his favorite times.

Words cannot describe the legacy Dave leaves. The good times he shared at home, at the cottage, St. Patty’s Day weekends at the Clare Doherty Hotel, camping at Sleepy Hollow for Icabod Crane Days, enjoying the big boats at the GR boat show, hosting parties for New Year’s Eve and Super Bowls, inviting people to watch the Ox Roast parade from his driveway, hosting a warming station for the Christmas Market Light parade participants, visiting the kids on Christmas Eve wearing the Santa suit handed down from his father… just a few of his ways of sharing with family and the community. Dave was also a hero in the eyes of strangers who may not even remember his name. Rescuing stranded boaters on the lake, to hitting the snowy roads with a tow strap to help those stuck, or any stranded motorists on the road just came easy to him.

He will always be remembered for his smile, his laughter, his kind heart, his sense of humor, and let’s not forget the cold Budweiser’s and hot bonfires. He leaves many, young and old, who will carry his spirit and laughter in their hearts forever.

We love you more!