David John Ferguson, September 26, 1931 – March 25, 2012
After 20 years of an uphill battle with cancer, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved David who passed peacefully at home with his wife and soulmate Louise by his side.
David is survived by his wife and best friend Louise, his children Nadine (Angelo) Porchetta, Brenda (Dan) Blanch, Kim (Dan) Stevens, Terry Ferguson, Sandy (Dan) McLeod, Cynthia (Bob) Thomson, Rod (Cheryl) Davenport, 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, mother-in-law Floris Smith, brother Steuart (Margaret) Ferguson, sister Bernice (Des) Desaulniers, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his son Rick Davenport and grandson Ryan Blanch as well as his parents John and Annie Ferguson, brother Rod and sister Beverley.
David was born in Winnipeg, MB, where he spent much of his childhood frolicking on the beaches of Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg. He arrived in Powell River in 1956 to work for MacMillan Bloedel as a papermaker where he spent 38 years before retiring. While working for the mill as Safety Director, he received the Vice-Presidents’ Award for excellence in accident prevention in 1992 as well as held positions as secretary and president for CPU Local 1 during that time. David spent much of his time while his daughters were growing up coaching track and field, lacrosse, minor hockey, baseball, Canadian football and then moving his interests onto figure skating at the local level when his youngest daughter took interest in 1978. In 1993 David became involved with Skate Canada, holding the positions of second vice-chairman and director until his illness took over and he had to retire in 2011. David received the Sport BC Presidents' Award for recognition of his dedication to sport in BC as well as the Skate Canada Committee Chairman Award for most outstanding volunteer.
David was the most amazing and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was grateful for every day of his life and never complained about his illness and how it had taken so much of his independence. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face even while in pain and was known to say, “Not too bad for a young guy,” when asked how he was feeling. As a husband he was what every woman wanted, a true gentleman and best friend, a man to laugh with and cry with and share each moment together cherishing each other. As a Dad, he was the most loving and caring honourable and brave man that all his children admired and loved and as a Pappa, he loved each and every one of his grandchildren with all of his heart and made each one feel special.
David touched many people’s lives and his passing has left us with heavy hearts. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 7 as an open house from 1 – 4 pm at 3516 MacKenzie Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency or Prostate Cancer Society.
Heaven has another Angel
Love you and miss you all the days of our lives
Donald Mark Simard
Don was born on October 16, 1947 and passed away peacefully on March 26, 2012. He was a mechanical genius with a great sense of humour. He will be greatly missed.
An open house in memory of Don will be held at his home, 6031 Lund Street, on Saturday, April 14, from 1 - 4 pm.