Franklin Turner Ferguson

Frank was born in the family kitchen on November 6, 1935 to Franklin Harvey Ferguson and Mildred Turner. The youngest of 5 children, he was raised on the west side of Salt Lake City, in a home that weathered life’s difficulties with courage, warmth and humor. His 3 sisters nicknamed him ‘brother’ and ‘the Prince’. He has had close and endearing relationships with them throughout their lives. His oldest sister Fay is still with us at the age of 103.

After graduating from West High School, class of 1953, he enrolled in the Air National Guard. Frank attended the University of Utah, initially studying engineering, but on second thought switched to the School of Architecture, graduating later with a bachelor's degree.

His time at the U was interrupted by a mission for his church to the Northern States and Canada. After his return, Frank met his wife Peggy Siddoway. They were married in 1960, and began a beautiful partnership. Frank was offered a full-ride teaching fellowship at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture in Minneapolis, where they moved with their young family. He received a Masters degree in architecture in 1964 and accepted a teaching job at the University of Nebraska as an assistant professor of architecture. In 1965, now a father of 3, Frank moved his family to Chambery, France as part of a cultural exchange program between the US and France, working in a prominent architecture firm. Here he gained his love of France and the French language and was able to spend his weekends visiting the great cathedrals while further developing his career.

Returning to Utah in 1966, Frank and family settled down for good. Frank worked with colleagues in numerous firms, making lifelong friends along the way. In 1976, he and 3 partners formed the studio of FFKR, Fowler, Ferguson, Kingston and Ruben. Among Frank’s favorite projects that he led are: Abravanel Hall, Gad Valley Restaurant, The BYU Jerusalem Center, the Moran Eye Center, and the Hemingway Orangerie at Red Butte Garden. His buildings feature abundant natural light and are planned so that visitors always know where they are in relation to the rest of the building. In Frank’s buildings, you never get lost and can always see outside. Each project was a collaboration, creating new friendships which he valued so much. More about his professional career can be found at: https://www.ffkr.com/franklin-t-ferguson-faia/

Throughout his career, Frank was supported enthusiastically by Peggy. They raised their children in a house that was constantly under construction. All four kids learned how to swing a hammer. Like the home Frank was raised in, Mark, Lisa, Melanie and Scott were taught integrity, hard work, and that a good sense of humor puts life in perspective. It was a fun home.

Following Peggy’s death in 1994, Frank devoted himself to continuing his education and being a wonderful father and grandfather. He taught himself to bake and cook, and pursued his love of the French language, constantly taking lessons. His Easter morning brioche was incomparable. Frank spent individual time with each grandchild, taking genuine interest, and expressing his love for them in words and in actions. Each was special to him in their own way. He was so very proud of each one of them.

Frank married Lucille Stoddard in 1995. Together they enjoyed a happy marriage, sharing many good meals, traveling the world, lively discussions, cultural events, and the company of close family and friends.

Frank loved to watercolor ‘en plein air’, play tennis, travel, and be in the mountains. He loved beauty and nature. In his last few years, the pain of his chronic rheumatoid arthritis got the better of him. He was eventually confined to a wheelchair and then a bed. Through this struggle, Frank maintained a positive demeanor and was always happy to see visitors. He loved to hold the hand of whoever was sitting next to him.

Frank was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in various callings, publishing the ward newsletter, designing a 24th of July parade float, and making roadshow sets. He lived his religion with the same creativity that imbued his work.

Frank is preceded in death by his wife Peggy, parents, Frank and Mildred, sisters MaryLou (Bob) Brown, Elaine (Shirl) Merrell, and brother Charles Ferguson.

He is survived by his wife Lucille Stoddard-Ferguson, sister Fay (Elmo) Grover; children Mark (Charisse) Ferguson, Lisa (John) Eckersley, Melanie (Brad) Urses, Scott (Kerry) Ferguson; grandchildren Amelia (Justin) Ence, Sam (Tracie) Eckersley, Annie Eckersley, Erik (Maya) Urses, Grace Ferguson, Kate Ferguson, Elizabeth Urses; great-grandchildren Holden and Harper Ence.

Funeral Services will be Monday June 23rd 2:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive. A viewing will begin 1 hour before the services begin.