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BORN

1947

DIED

2020

Christopher FERGUSON Obituary

FERGUSON, Christopher Cupps Chris was born September 4, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, and died October 1, 2020. Chris came to St. Petersburg in 1969. He graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1973 and practiced law in St. Petersburg for over 40 years. He began his career working for Robert F. Nunez and was forever grateful for his guidance and mentorship. Chris went on to become a partner at Riden, Earle, and Kiefner P.A., where he was joined by Sonya Benjamin, his invaluable legal assistant and dear friend of 25 years until her passing in 2015. He later practiced law as a sole practitioner. Chris was a loving father to his two children, Zach and Katie. He enjoyed spending time on Don Pedro island, where for decades he held an annual "Fall Clearing" with friends to ostensibly do yard work but mostly to enjoy stone crabs and the company of good friends. Chris was engaged in the local community, having previously served as president of the Police Athletic League and on the board of the St. Petersburg Bar Association. He was also passionate about his role as an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College, where he taught Introduction to Paralegal Studies for over 20 years. Chris is survived by his two children, Zach Ferguson and Katie McClurg; two grandchildren; his sisters, Rita Ferguson and Emily Alsop; his sister-in-law, Linda Ferguson; along with many loving nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Chris was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Austin K. "Beau" Ferguson Jr. Donations may be made in Chris' honor to Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private memorial will be planned for a later date.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Oct. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher FERGUSON

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Carol Crawford

November 5, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. He and my husband, Bob, practiced law together for many years from the Riden, Crawford & Jansen years to Riden, Watson and Goldstein. Now Bob, Chris, Tom and Jack are all together again in Heaven.
I’ll never forget one day, not long after my husband Bob had passed away, when Chris told me he’d been out of town and in a crowded place-I think an airport. He said he “saw” Bob! Chris was very serious and intent on letting me know that Bob was “okay”. I always wondered if he had a special gift and could really “see” Bob. He was so sure about what he’d seen and his message to me, and tho a bit unsettling, it made me feel better.
My deepest sympathy to Luanne, Katie, Zack and their families.

Jordan Saint John

October 27, 2020

Chris was my first mentor in the law, and became a good friend these past ten years. What a good man he was! He would talk so fondly and proudly of his children and grandchildren. He was someone with whom you could share from the heart. I miss him, and know his family and loved ones must feel his loss keenly. Rest in peace, Chris.

David Demers

October 21, 2020

Chris was my friend of 50 years. The weekly gatherings Susan and I shared in his apartment enjoying each others company helped get several of us through law school. Our visits to his home during the holidays when Zach and Katie were kids were always special. At the lunches we shared over the years it was obvious that he had three passions - his wonderful children, the law, and his students at St. Petersburg College. Chris was probably my best friend, but he was the kind of person who had many "best" friends. His passing has left a void in my life. I will miss our special time together. His family is in our prayers.

Carol Sciannameo

October 20, 2020

Deepest sympathies to all the family, friends, students and those who lost this thoughtful gentle man, a great lawyer, a friend and colleague.

Darren Lee

October 14, 2020

Our sincere condolences to Professor Ferguson's loved ones. Chris was a valued member of the ADR community and was widely respected for his expertise and passion for peacemaking, in his role as a mediator.
A wonderful man and a loss to our National Academy.

Sharmae Benson

October 14, 2020

My condolences to Katie and Zach on the loss of their dad. I knew Chris when I worked for the clerks office. I remember he was always kind and patient. I will always remember him.

Brian Adornato

October 14, 2020

I knew Chris for many years and had cases with him. He was always professional and a very good advocate for his clients. My condolences to his family and friends.

jOHN THOMAS LAWTON

October 14, 2020

A wonderful man, great outlook on life-always smiling and positive about life.

JW/JKH

October 13, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the Ferguson Family for the loss of your loved one, Christopher Cupps, "Chris", and pray God sends you comfort, peace and strength.

Lynn McCormick McDonald

October 13, 2020

Professor Ferguson was a kind, patient teacher. He always put us, his students, at ease and encouraged dialog in our class. He will be missed. My condolences to the family on the loss of such a fine man.

Kim & Bob Flack

October 12, 2020

We knew Chris through our children.our kids all went to school together until we moved to Tallahassee. This is such a great loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Katie and Zach and the whole Ferguson family.
Kim

James Henderson

October 12, 2020

Chris was a remarkable man. Always helping others. He was very active in the police athletic league and had a passion for helping our inter city youth.

He will be missed.

Jim Henderson

Ann Russo

October 12, 2020

What a wonderful man, blessed to have met him thru My coworker Gina Bongo , his love of 15 years. Rest In Peace.

Nancy Giannini

October 12, 2020

One of the finest people I have met. I will miss you my dear friend. My condolences to his friends and family. You are a gift. Keep shining ♥

Joseph Poulos

October 12, 2020

My condolences to the family. Chris has been a mentor and great friend over the years I've known him. Chris had help guide my family in times of need.
I fond moment with Chris was when we to his place down south and refinished the floors at his house. I wasn't sure about the ferry and my Ram 3500 Dually but Cris said no problem. We didn't sink! We worked a couple days and had some good laughs.
Chris will be missed, but never forgotten!
Joseph Poulos

Phyllis Towzey

October 12, 2020

A wonderful person and an excellent lawyer. I always enjoyed working with Chris when our paths crossed on legal matters. Chris will really be missed here in St. Petersburg. My condolences to his family.

Catherine Noyes

October 12, 2020

Chris made the best chocolate chip cookies for the Holiday Cookie Exchange and was an awesome boss and friend, adding lots of fun and laughter to the work environment. I can picture him now having deep conversations with Tom, Bob, Jack and our dear friend Sonya. God Bless and rest in peace my friend.

Jeff Winter

October 12, 2020

Chris will be missed. I always enjoyed our conversations and his sincere and kind demeanor. My sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Nancy Joerss

October 12, 2020

Chris you will be missed tremendously. Honorable, Humble, Integrity.

Marcia Mycko

October 11, 2020

Chris has been an inspiration, pillar of hope, and friend for over the 12 years that I have known him. He always was able to get a chuckle out of me with his dry humor. I will miss his smiling face and kindness.

Marcia Mycko

October 11, 2020

Chris has been an inspiration, pillar of hope, and friend for over the 12 years that I have known him. He always was able to get a chuckle out of me with his dry humor. I will miss his smiling face and kindness.

Marcia Mycko

October 11, 2020

Chris has been an inspiration, pillar of hope, and friend for over the 12 years that I have known him. He always was able to get a chuckle out of me with his dry humor. I will miss his smiling face and kindness.

Simone Taylor

October 11, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Simone Taylor

October 11, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Amanda Robinette

October 11, 2020

Chris was such an amazing man! He helped so many and had such a quiet and gracious way about him. His guidance made such a positive impact on my life. He will be missed by many. I will be forever grateful to have known him.

Kristin McKinney

October 11, 2020

We will miss you so much Chris. Thank you for all of your friendship, love and compassion. I am sure my mom will be there to greet you with a giant hug and some snickerdoodle cookies. :)
Your love for Gina was immeasurable and know that we will all watch out for her as I am sure you will as well from above. Prayers to your family during this time.

Kathy and Tim Blair

October 11, 2020

So fortunate to have known Chris Ferguson and know many will feel the loss of this great man. He was gracious, kind and giving of his time and knowledge. He provided outstanding professional advice to me during time of need. Will always be grateful to my dear friend, Gina, who introduced me to Chris. Gina and Chris shared a great love that was evident to all who knew them.

Paul Merada

October 11, 2020

My sincere condolences for the family and friends of Chris. He was a good friend to me and my family. He would always have time to listen to me and give me good advice. I will miss our coffee catch up chats.

Carol Bourgeois and Family

October 11, 2020

We will miss you, Chris! You were a wonderful man and a beautiful spirit! Gone too soon, we will never forget you.

Barbara L Marshall

October 11, 2020

My husband Jay and I met Chris through our dear friend and Chris's long time partner and extraordinary woman, Gina Bongo. such a perfect pair together. Through our meeting Chris by Gina, he became indispensable to us in several of our business and personal legal needs. And when I reached out to him personally to assist with a friend who needed rushed legal attention, Chris responded immediately and helped resolve with much gratitude by that friend. Remembering Chris as the consummate gentleman, professional, unflappable skilled mediator, dispensing superb legal action and advice. And I remember his hand written thank you notes! Also remembering the personal side of him in developing an enjoyable and fun friendship with husband Jay. Jay looked forward to their occasional lunch meet ups. We are both grateful for the enrichment he brought to our lives these past years. We are sad for Chris's family and especially Gina who we regularly witnessed their respect and deep love for one another over these many years. Chris, we know you are soaring with other busy angels to include our beloved shared friend, Glenda, who, too, we lost too soon recently. We miss you. Thank you for good memories.

Gennie VanAnda

October 11, 2020

Chris always made me feel like I worked with him not for him, he’s one of the good guys, caring, giving and trusting to all. I miss you friend.

Mary Ellen Shevlin

October 11, 2020

So sorry to learn of Chris's passing. My deepest sympathies.

Becky (Harting) Garcia

October 11, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. I wish you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing Chris with the world for these many years. He has touched so many peoples’ lives in countless, unimaginable ways and has been the kind of loyal, supportive friend that everyone hopes to find. He has been there to help my family in times of need so many times I lost count. My dad considered Chris to be his best friend but for Chris it seemed to be that friends are like extended family. I am forever grateful to have known him and will strive to honor Chris’ legacy and everything he has showed us about taking care of friends and family. Chris has left an indelible stamp on this world and has made it a better place.

mark stockings

October 11, 2020

Chris was a Great friend I loved his Spirit and he will be greatly missed my prays go to his family

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

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