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Ray Ferguson Obituary

Ray Edward Ferguson, 72, died Jan. 20, 2009, at Maniilaq Health Center in Kotzebue.
A funeral was Jan. 24 at the Kotzebue Friends Church, with Johnny Snyder and Wilfred Lane Sr. officiating. Burial took place at Cemetery Hill in Kotzebue.
Ray Edward Ferguson was born May 16, 1936, to Minnie and Warren Ferguson in Kotzebue. He and his two brothers, Donald and Frank, were eventually adopted by his iconic pilot uncle Archie and aunt Hadley Ferguson. Ray learned to fly when he was 14. He became a renowned pilot in the Northwest Arctic region, where he mastered flying in all manner of arctic weather.
Ray was also a storekeeper and helped run the family theater and hotel. He was an inventor and avid miner in Kobuk, raced snowmachines, and loved camping near the Kobuk Sand Dunes with his family.
Over the course of his flying career, Ray flew for Wien Air and Safair Flying Service. In the late '70s, Ray and his wife, Margaret, started Kotzebue Flying Service. His relationships with pilots who flew for him, particularly Russ White, Gary Bakewell and Tom Lehe, were ones he cherished for the rest of his life.
Ray served the people of the region tirelessly by performing countless searches through the Civil Air Patrol and Kotzebue Search and Rescue. He was also a charter member of the Kotzebue Lion's Club, where he loved to dance.
Ray is survived by his sister, Ruth Schaeffer; brothers, Ira Ferguson, Jimmy Gregg and John Schaeffer; sisters-in-law, Carrie Ferguson, Sophie Ferguson, Aggie Gregg and Mary Schaeffer; and son-in-law, Ronald Kanayurak. He is also survived by daughters, Hadley Hess, D'Anne Hamilton and Juanita Ferguson; and daughters and sons-in law, Kelley and Scott DuFour and Sadie and Claude Wilson Jr. He is also survived by many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Arlene Kanayurak; infant son, Einar Ferguson; brothers, Donald and Sen. Frank R. Ferguson; sister, Mary Moore; brother-in-law, Tony Schaeffer; niece, Glenda Ferguson; and nephews, Sean and Rodney Schaeffer.
Friends who would like to send condolences may mail them to Sadie Ferguson, Box 747, Kotzebue, AK 99752.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Ferguson

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Edward Ward

March 1, 2009

My deepest condolences to all of Ray's family and extended family. Ray was one of those quality people that you encounter all too infrequently. I am sure that Ray is in good company, getting everyone caught up on what's happening and maybe sharing a good time with old friends.

loretta kittrell

February 4, 2009

Ray always was a special person as I have fond memories of him at the airport as my father Warren flew many hours for him. I used to love going to the hanger cause he always had our favorite soda COKE A COLA and allowed us to have any many as we wanted.
When we managed the IGLUT apartments he always knew we were there for him. We all miss him but he's in a better place where there aren't no more worries!

siikauraq

February 2, 2009

Ray was pretty cool. He was an inventor and a half. His life was amazing and at the beginning of his burial at Cemetary Hill, Alaska Airlines came in for a landing. When we were done with the burial, Alaska Airlines took off. The timing was perfect. Love you Claude and Sadie and the rest of the great big clan...

Adrian Wilson

February 2, 2009

i love you grandpa....u were the best teacher

February 2, 2009

George & Veronica Neakok

February 1, 2009

Our hearts and prayers are with Ray's family. George still talks about his gold panning trip with Margaret & Ray with fond memories. Much love to you from the Neakoks' in Barrow.

Teresa Braxton

January 30, 2009

May God Bless you in your time of need. It always feels like part of my family has passed on when a NANA Person leaves us. God bless all of Ray's family.

Lula (Ahsoak) Falleaf

January 30, 2009

I knew Ray when he was here in Barrow. What a wonderful and loving father Ray was. He will be dearly missed by us he left at Barrow. May God who understand each need, who listens to every prayer bless you and keep you all in his loving care. Sending this with all of our love to the children and grandchildren, also Margaret, my cousin. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Carol Harris

January 30, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Ray’s family

Viola octuck

January 30, 2009

To know a wonderful family as yours has been a true blessing in so many lives, love and prayers to all of you.

James, Sr Gregg

January 30, 2009

Life's battles don't always go to the strongest or fastest: sooner or later those who win are those who think they can........

Dean & Kathleen Westlake

January 30, 2009

Our deepest sympathy goes to Ray’s family and to the NANA region. He was a treasure to us all.

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