Craig Marlow Ferguson

Obituary of Craig Marlow Ferguson

Craig Marlow Ferguson, 88, a lifelong Darien resident, died peacefully on March 28, 2026 from complications related to Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by his wife, Linda, and three children.

Born in Stamford on September 15, 1937 to James and Jessie Ferguson, Craig was the youngest of three sons. He was predeceased by his parents and his older brothers Bruce Lyons Ferguson, Thomas Donaldson Ferguson, his foster brother Peter Bodick, his nephew Bruce Wayne Ferguson and his nephew's wife Barbara Ferguson. Craig attended Stamford schools, graduated from Darien High School in 1955 and Colgate University in 1959. Craig began his insurance career with Childs & Wood in Chicago and New York before starting Craig M. Ferguson & Company in the early 1970's in New York. He was known among his clients and employees as an excellent problem solver as well as a generous and caring business owner. Craig and Linda raised their children in Darien.

Craig had a lot of hobbies and interests. He was an exceptional cook and loved nothing more than cooking at family holidays and gatherings, presenting guests with traditional English recipes. Favorites included standing rib roast, pop-overs, and butter tarts. Craig was also an accomplished pianist and organist, self-taught as a youngster. He learned to play the pipe organ in his youth by dropping by St. John's Episcopal Church in Stamford after school and learning on the church organ. A real highlight was playing the organ at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. He managed the organ keyboards, petal board, and stops with ease well into his 70's. Craig loved the natural world, and backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his children. He was a rosarian, and could often be found tending to his seventy roses. It was a rare weekend that Craig wasn't on his tractor buzzing around his property. He also enjoyed playing squash, backgammon, skiing, and spy novels. He was a Lionel Train enthusiast, and for many years spent time perfecting his O-gauge layout, which was western-themed with rustic scenery, steam locomotives, bridges and rugged terrain spanning an entire room in his basement. A new level was achieved the day he broke through a cement interior basement wall so that the train could have a proper tunnel. The "train room" was an enchanting place for the many children who visited.

Craig was an active volunteer for most of his adult life. He volunteered at his alma mater, Colgate, in many capacities over the years and was awarded a Maroon Citation, an honor recognizing his record of service. Craig also served as Chairman of the Board of Miss Hall's School in Lenox, Mass. He served on the board of Wee Burn Country Club. He was on the vestry at St. John's Episcopal Church in Stamford, involved in the 1980's Canterbury Green project, which continues to benefit the church and the St. John's Community Foundation. Craig also served on Darien's Zoning Board of Appeals. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Wee Burn Country Club, and Lake Sunapee Yacht Club.

Craig was, above all, a family man. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Stiles Ferguson, and his three children, Anne Foster (Dave), Bruce Ferguson (Pam) and Lynne Somerville (Scott), all of Darien. Also surviving are his nine grandchildren Elizabeth, Wells, Ellen, Katharine, Bruce, Peter, Doug, Andrew and Mimi and two sisters-in-law Barbara and Joanne Ferguson, many nieces and nephews and their children. Some of Craig's happiest times were spent sharing family time at his beloved Lake Sunapee, before a roaring fire or sitting on the deck surrounded by laughter and love. In Craig's passing, his family has lost a most remarkable and loved patriarch. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Thursday April 9 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1864 Boston Post Road, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Craig's memory to Colgate University, PO Box 313, Canajoharie, NY 13317-0313. Donations will be directed to the Jessie Ferguson Endowed Scholarship Fund, created by Craig in honor of his mother. Donations can also be made online at: http://colgate.edu/JFergusonScholarship

The family wishes to thank Craig's caregivers, Joseph, Gina, Diane, Maria, and Debbie.