Ross Andrews "Randy" Ferguson

Bucksport, Maine

A truly fine human, Ross (Randy) Andrews Ferguson, 76, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2025, with his family by his side. When presented with a challenging seven-year journey with cancer, he met each day with a boundless strength of spirit. Randy's courage came from his hope for more time with his family who was his world, and who loved him dearly in return.

Randy brought such kindness and soul into our world. His incredible sense of humor, authenticity, and humble, compassionate presence gave comfort to others and made everyone feel accepted. He had a gift for creating meaningful and genuine connections with people (and animals) wherever he went.

Randy loved the natural world and was a cowboy at heart. While attending the University of New Mexico in his twenties, he lived in a small dusty casita on the banks of the Rio Grande. As he wandered the high desert landscapes, Randy was opened to the wonders of life. He would later go on to share this gift with his family.

He spent the majority of his life in Vermont with his beloved partner and best friend, Kathy. They raised their three children in a forest of sugar maples, which Randy tapped each spring to make maple syrup. He was a loving dad who filled the house with great music and taught his kids to live creatively and to care about this world.

A heartfelt and generous human, Randy worked tirelessly in the electronics field to support his family and loved volunteering in his community. The Mount Mansfield Union School Board, Meals on Wheels, Neighbor Rides, JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project) and the McClure-Miller Respite House were places where he devoted his time. He was an active member of the Shambhala Center in Burlington, and had the ongoing support of wonderful meditation teachers and friends on his path.

As his dear old friend and brother-in-law Joe said recently, Randy was "a special person, a character out of a Kerouac novel… the real dharma bum." His life was an inspiring gift to all who knew him, and he will be profoundly missed.

Randy loved sharing joy through music. We invite you to listen to his favorite song and lyrics, "Ripple" by the Grateful Dead, in his honor.

Randy's living family includes his wife of 46 years, Kathy (Foley) of Bucksport, Maine, his three children, Kate and her partner Andy of Taos, New Mexico, Meg of Jeffersonville, Vermont, and Adam of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his sister Toddy (Charlotte) Ferguson of Essex Junction, Vermont. He is predeceased by his grandson Rowan, his mother Charlotte Matthews Ferguson, his father Andy Ferguson and his siblings Tom, Doug, and Sarah.

A celebration of Randy's life will be held on a date to be determined by his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, 441 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605 or Critterville Wildlife Sanctuary, 1198 River Road, Bucksport, Maine 04416. Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport.