Wayne D. Ferguson

Wayne was one of ten children born to John and Susie Ferguson. John, a hardworking man, raised his children in a much-disciplined way. It was here, growing up on a farm and working hard, that Wayne learned many of his values, and strong work ethic. These stayed with him throughout his life.

He joined the Navy and served during World War II and part of the Korean conflict. Wayne continued his military service as a Navy Reservist until he retired. Ron, his oldest son, who passed away this spring, also joined the Navy and was sworn in by his dad, Wayne.

After leaving home, Wayne moved to Denver. He married Celia Parker, also born in Taylor, Nebraska, in 1942. They had two sons, Ron and Karl. Wayne and Celia bought and operated a small grocery store, known then as the Creamery, on Federal Blvd. across from Regis College. They lived in Wheat Ridge until Celia passed away in 1984 after 42 years of marriage. He married Ione Keppler in 1991; she passed away after 21 years of marriage in July of this year.

Wayne held many jobs including traveling selling shoes and car parts. Eventually, Denver Parks hired him as an equipment operator based on his farming experience. He worked for Denver Parks as the Superintendent of the Northwest District until he retired.

While working as a Superintendent for Denver Parks, he used his time off to form and operate a small landscape business. His son Karl learned the landscape business while working with his dad and continues working in this field today. Wayne also started several other entrepreneurial endeavors. He purchased land prior to the building of I-70, dredged and sold the gravel to a concrete plant. The I-70 construction project hired Wayne to fill the dredged hole with its debris. The brick Wayne separated from this debris was sold to brick companies. He also started a business replacing handles in tools, not wanting to see usable tools just thrown away. His Scottish heritage contributed to his pioneering effort in "reduce, reuse and recycle".

As a collector, he had a license plate collection that numbered in the thousands, as well as a beer can collection that eventually sold for $8,000. When storage became limited, he began collecting cufflinks.

Wayne always had many different nuts, bolts, nails, screws and pieces of miscellaneous things, even he could not recognize. Neighbors and friends would always come by and see "Uncle Wayne" looking for that special something they may need to fix or complete their special project.

Wayne entered the literary world by writing and printing three historical fiction books that were based on his growing up on the farm and travels throughout the west.

Wayne was always ready with a helping hand to his many friends and acquaintances. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and son. He will be greatly missed.

91, passed away on October 18, 2012 in Lakewood, Colorado. Wayne is survied by his son Karl &(Linda) Ferguson, daughter in law Cindy Ferguson, grandchildren; Tracy &(Scott O'Connor) Ferguson, Kirk &(Edie) Ferguson, Ben Ferguson, Andy Ferguson, Alex Ferguson, brothers; Ivan Ferguson, Gerald &(Joann) Ferguson, Larry &(Sally) Ferguson, sister; Isla Emmerton, four great grandchildren; Hayley, Lindsey, Carley, and Chelsea Ferguson. Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife; Celia M. Ferguson, and his second wife; Ione Keppler-Ferguson, son Ron Ferguson, parents; John & Susie Ferguson, brothers Lloyd, Miles, Irwin, and Royce Ferguson, a sister Erma.

Services Thursday, October 25, 2012, 12pm in the Chapel of Peace located on the grounds of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Colorado, 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203 or the charity of your choice.