William H. "Bill" Ferguson

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - William H. "Bill" Ferguson, 90, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, in Scottsdale. His family and friends are comforted by Bill's own words, "I have lived a long and fulfilling life."

Bill was born May 16, 1924, in Rockford, Ill., to Helen Marie Snyder and Harold Breckinridge and later adopted by Farley Ferguson. He graduated from high school in Winnetka, Ill., and attended the University of Montana. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant during World War II and the Korean War. Although he served as both a fighter pilot and an Air Police Officer, there was never any question that flying the P-38 Lightning in the 51st Fighter Squadron was his favorite memory from service. He was stationed at Clark Field in the Philippines where his wife Ruth Sams, of Joliet, and daughter Susan joined him.

As a civilian, Bill enjoyed a career in car sales in Billings. He was also an Advance Man for touring Holiday on Ice shows while his wife Jean Cheadle, of Helena, skated professionally. In the 1960s, he was instrumental in the establishment of Ford Mustang Clubs across the country. In later years, he sold real estate in Seeley Lake. After losing his wife Jean to cancer, Bill met Caryl Koehne, of Oldham, S.D. Caryl reignited Bill's zest for life. They enjoyed wonderful years together in Sun City West, Ariz.

Bill had a fantastic sense of humor. He enjoyed spending good times with friends and family and was always ready with a cocktail, a dinner invitation, and even E-Cards for every occasion. His hobbies included his beautiful saltwater aquariums, keeping up with current events, discovering new things with his computer, watching football, reading, music - and most of all laughing. Bill's laughter is what his family, friends and caregivers will miss most about him.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, sister Patricia, and wife Caryl. He leaves behind his sister Marie Cash of Lynnwood, Wash.; daughter Susan Strosky of Spokane, Wash.; son Scott (Mary) Ferguson of Dearborn, Mich.; grandchildren Kim (Jose) Hernandez of Spokane, Beth Strosky of Seattle and Michael Ferguson of San Francisco; great-grandsons Isaiah and Ilan Hernandez; and cousin Monte Snyder of Dunnellon, Fla.

Services with Military Honors will be held at a future date. In honor of Bill's enduring sense of humor, the family is setting up a memorial fund to support others who laugh through life. Contact billfergusonmemorial@gmail.com for donation information. Donations may also be made to Hospice (hov.org) or the charity of your choice.