Gary L. Ferguson

Gary L. Ferguson 1940 ~ 2012 After a brief illness, Gary passed away on April 18, 2012 at the age of 71 in Sun City West, AZ. Gary Lee Ferguson was the second child born to Al and Lucille Ferguson on November 9, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1948, the family moved to "the farm" in Charlestown, IN, where his father built their home with concrete blocks. Gary liked to share with others that they did not have running water or electricity. He was extremely proud of his early childhood. Due to his father's profession, he touted that one year he moved to 6 different schools. We think this is why Gary was a friend to everyone. He ultimately landed in Jeffersonville, IN, where he graduated in 1958 from Jeffersonville High School. Gary served in the US Navy for a short time prior to serving in the US Air Force from 1958-1966 (stationed in France and the Philippines). He married Sara Jessie Bauman in 1964 and they had two daughters, Leann and Leasa. Gary and Sara later divorced in 1975. Gary worked briefly for IBM and then started work for Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1969. Gary was one of the first 15 people from California who transferred here to help start up the Boise Division of Hewlett-Packard Company. Gary worked for HP for 30 years at various locations and in different positions but he always loved the company and the employees that he mentored. He retired in 2000. During his employment at HP in Boise, he met Karen Gossi and they married on April 7, 1979. They were soul mates from the first time they met. They both had a love for travel and adventure. Over their more than 33 years together, they experienced living in Singapore, riding elephants in Thailand, walking on the Great Wall of China, scuba diving in Hawaii, riding a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, surviving a category 5 cyclone while in Cairns, Australia, and seeing 4 of the big 5 in Africa, to name a few. Gary had one last continent that he wanted to visit, Antarctica, then his tour around the world would have been complete. But Gary's true love was the Idaho outdoors, where he could fish, enjoy nature, take photos and play the game of golf. Gary loved his role as a father, grandfather and uncle. It was important to him to make a difference to his family and others. He was a true friend to many, he always offered to fix or build things for anyone and everyone. His greatest joy was to help others. If Gary couldn't fix it then it definitely could not be fixed. He truly was talented with his woodworking skills, which he acquired after he retired. He left his legacy and gift of woodworking in people's homes, through the jewelry boxes he made, the special projects that he helped with and the furniture that he created. Gary's wonderful smile, gorgeous blue eyes, funny stories and hugs will be greatly missed. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Albert; mother, Lucille; and brother, David. He is survived by his wife, Karen Ferguson of Star, ID; his daughters, Leann Day (Bob), Leasa Stricklin (Phil) and his three grandchildren Ashley and Kyle Day and Jessie Stricklin all of Meridian, ID. His sister, Lynda Carpenter (David) of San Antonio, TX; his niece Carole Kane (Joe) of San Antonio, TX; nephew David Carpenter (Cindy) of Corona, CA and brother-in-law Joseph Smith of San Antonio, TX. Also surviving Gary is his brother-in-law Dan Gossi and his family Dick and Angie Anderson and John Gossi; his sister-in-law Kay Anderson and her family, SSG Mitch and Aja Anderson, Virginia Anderson and Gunnar Hardy and his other sister-in-law Krista Tuckness (Rick) and her family, Sarah and Erik Hans, Nathan and Sarah Tuckness, Joshua, Rebekeh and Hannah Tuckness; his father-in-law Tom Gossi (Donna) and step father-in-law Doug Thimsen. He is also survived by his beloved cousins Rocky, Stacey, Shelley, and numerous great nieces and nephews. A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, May 5, 3:00 p.m., at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity, 828 W. Cherry Lane (across from Meridian Middle School). In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity, Assistance League of Boise, or Boise State University ISRC Shirley Gossi Thimsen Memorial Scholarship (HS077). Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home, Boise Chapel.