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Douglas Ferguson Obituary
This is my "hello" and my "farewell". It is my wish to say farewell to all of my family and friends. I have enjoyed having you learn and experience life alongside me. I have learned a lot and I have enjoyed many wonderful experiences, but now it is time for me to make the transition. A special goodbye to my beautiful daughters, Heather Joy and Heidi Lin. I love you dearly and when I need to speak to you, I will go into my heart, where you will always be.
I inhaled my first breath on May 4, 1945, along with my two triplet brothers, Jack and Bob. My parents, David and Dorothy McCrystal Ferguson and my older brother Brad thought there would only be one additional playmate to live in their one-bedroom apartment in Chicago, Illinois. Boy they were surprised! We moved to Franklin Park, where I attended East Leyden HS and went on to Iowa Wesleyan College 1964-1968. While attending IWC, I played basketball and was an All-American. I was inducted into the IWC Hall of Fame in 2005. I married my high school sweetheart in December 1967, graduated in May of 1968 and attended graduate school at Illinois State University where I received my Master's Degree in Counseling. My daughter Heidi was born in 1970 and while I was employed at several community colleges, my second daughter Heather was born, in 1974.
I moved to Phoenix in 1981, and was employed at South Mountain Community College as an Athletic Director and Health Education Instructor. I received my Doctorate in 1987 and continued to work at South Mountain until 2007, when I retired. I have been privileged to have 5 wonderful grandchildren; Spencer, Arden, Shea, Jorden and Kayden. I will miss their beautiful smiles and probing questions. They were a delight in my life. I will miss everyone, but I must leave to a new and wonderful adventure and experience.
I tried to live my life to Dance, as though no one was watching; Sing, as though no one was listening; Love, as though I've never been hurt and Live, as though heaven was on earth.
It is time to close and say farewell. I am sure we will meet again, although we don't know when or where. Enjoy life, you will all be in my spirit forever. Written by Douglas Ferguson
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Ferguson
Gaylord Freeman
June 21, 2024
Thank you Coach for being one of my Role Models.
Gaylord Freeman
October 18, 2023
I awaken on this somewhat cold morning 52 degrees here in Houston, Texas thinking about Doug Ferguson who took me under his leadership at South Mountain Community College in 1981.
I first met Doug at Phoenix College in 1980 when I was a young Freshmen on the men's basketball team. He was my Assistant Coach, but he was there for a short time before he took a job at SMCC. He was always there for me. I was only at PC for one year. Then, I followed Doug over to SMCC where he gave me a job as the Sports Information Director. He really took care of me. I just wanted to tell him on this morning, "Thank You." Rest In Peace my Coach, Mentor, Boss and Life Advisor.
Gaylord Freeman
Heather rabin
February 21, 2021
Dr Doug Ferguson Celebration of life will be on March 28th at 11 am at McDowell Mountain Ranch Golf Club lawn. Or join us on Zoom at: Zoom.us Meeting ID: 509 184 0384
Richard Fredona
January 15, 2021
Was my Dean of students my freshman year at Iowa Wesleyan college back in 1974,He was Great guy RIP!
Eric Morin
January 14, 2021
A friend and mentor you were always there to help. I'll always appreciate all you did for me while at Iowa Wesleyan. Being a 24 year old Freshman you were more like a friend than the Dean of Men and my basketball coach. The memory of you yelling at me "Morin - now play defense" still brings a smile to my face. You were one of the good ones. May you rest in peace and I'll see you on the other side.
Dee Pulvino
October 20, 2020
I met Doug at South Mountain Community College 18 years ago. He was so genuine and welcoming. I don't know what conversation prompt it but he lent me a book about his childhood written by his mother very soon after meeting him. I loved reading it. I know and remember Doug as the person who would always be on the side of little people, under dogs. He would give all the support for his students. He would stand up for us when we could not for ourselves. He gave warmest hugs and sunshine smile every time he saw me. He would make sure there would be mash potatoes and gravy at every Winter Break celebration at the school. If Doug had your back, you knew you didn't need to worry. He would take stray cats to vet to be neutered to save them. He had a big compassionate heart. I miss him and knowing that I will not see his smile again makes it harder. Dear Doug, mekanin cennet olsun.
Jackie
July 14, 2020
Thanks for sending John. I have many fond memories of Doug in our younger years of those summers that could have been but never were. More recently we had those long distance conversations and though we never solved any world problems, we brought a lot of laughter into each others lives. I will miss those talks.
Jackie (Krutkiewicz) Malpede
Doug Eden
July 13, 2020
Doug was a class act. My sincere sympathy goes out to his family and friends. We have lost a good one. Rest In Peace
Doug.
Diane Webber-Eden
July 13, 2020
I remember meeting you at the playground at Maine School in Franklin Park in about 1960, just before we both headed to Leyden. You were popular, handsome, fun and always so warm and friendly toward everyone. You certainly will be missed.
John Thackray
July 13, 2020
We were friends for 65 years. Very good friends. I will miss you.
Johnny A. Cordova
June 30, 2020
I will always remember the day I first met you at South Mountain College. You welcomed me to SMCC with open arms and with an even more open heart. You always exemplified an attitude of gratitude and appreciation, and constantly offered to step up to help wherever you were needed. More over, I will always remember a question you often asked me, "How are YOU doing in the midst of all we are experiencing?" And then you listened!
Peace, light, love and blessings as you embark on your celestial journey.
Tom Chapman
June 29, 2020
Although I was privileged to know Doug only one year as I transferred to East Leyden my senior year and played basketball with him, my memories of his wonderful personality are very fond. He was very friendly, witty and had a great sense of humor (not to mention a great basketball player). I am sad to hear of his passing and our prayers will go out for his family. The article mentions his "high school sweetheart" but no name ? God bless you Doug. Tom Chapman
Miguel Crame
June 28, 2020
Finest athletic director I ever worked with. A true gentleman, a real professional and a dear friend. He will be missed.
Patti Ferguson
June 28, 2020
Dearest Doug, Family and Friends,
As in life...may your spirit/being...now be Dancing as if no one is watching, along with your other family members in Heaven...and Dancing with the Angels too! You will be missed dearly...but "In our hearts"...as you were in ours!! I will always cherish our last, beautiful, funny and witty conversation...My sincerest condolences and deepest of sympathies to your entire beautiful family and those that were blessed and lucky enough to have known you, or called you their friend...Rest in Heavenly Peace, Doug...but you'll Dance, Love and Live on in our hearts, always!!
Once a sister-in-law...always a sister-in-law!
John Allred
June 28, 2020
My condolences.I only met Doug a few times but his brother Bob is my brother-in-law and if was anything like him he must have been a fine man.
Sophie Baca
June 28, 2020
Doug was one of the greatest friends/mentor/and role model a person could wish for. I was lucky enough to know and love him. He will forever be missed my me and my family. Doug, you will forever be in our hearts, and I will miss seeing your smiling face.
June 27, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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