In Memoriam.ca - Always in our hearts

  • Christine Donohue lit a candle on 07/13/2016:
    "We are so very sorry for your loss. May your dad and mom be joined again in heaven. May your memories keep them close at heart."

  • Marlene Park lit a candle on 07/13/2016:
    "Hugs to all"

  • Doug MacIntosh lit a candle on 07/31/2016:
    "My Uncle Ferg was always a delight. As a child on our long car trips to the maritimes, the anticipation of visiting him was exciting. He was jovial and paid attention to us kids. Then as a young adult with friends I felt encouraged to visit. Once with a crowd of 6 friends on 3 motorcycles, Ferg and Barb welcomed us into their Dartmouth home and insisted we take the beetle car to an evening performance we were interested in. Ferg stimulated my interest in science as a Uof T student. I feel great fondness for both Ferg and Barb, and a sadness that an era has passed."

About him

Fergus  Fergusson

Fergus Fergusson

Born: October 15th, 1928

Passed on: July 11th, 2016

Fergus A.A. Fergusson (Dartmouth) passed away peacefully at the Admiral LTC Centre on July 11, 2016. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1928, he was the son of Adair and Esther Fergusson. His father Adair was born and raised in Moncton and married Ferg’s mother while studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh before setting up practice in Weymouth NS where Fergus was raised.

He was a graduate of King’s College School in Windsor and earned his degree in Physics from the University of King’s College, Halifax. While at King’s, he met and married Barbara Borden Smith of Annapolis Royal. Barbara was a constant, loving partner throughout his life until her passing in July 2012.

Ferg’s scientific career began at the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA) in Dartmouth NS, specializing in anti-submarine warfare. Notably, he was a member of the team awarded patents for the Variable Depth Sonar, a technology employed by several NATO navies. He sat on many international committees associated with NATO which involved extensive travel around the world, often accompanied by Barbara. In 1969, he graduated from the National Defence College in Kingston. Fergus retired as Chief of DREA in 1986.

Upon retiring, Ferg and Barbara launched the first of many post-retirement journeys with an RV tour of Australia and New Zealand. They enjoyed summers at their cottage on Newboro Lake Ontario and at the Fergusson summer home in Weymouth. Cooler months were spent in Nova Scotia in the company of their large circle of friends playing Bridge and attending the cinema, Neptune Theatre and Symphony Nova Scotia.

Always an optimist, Ferg was a staunch proponent of the “power of positive thinking”. He maintained a cheerful disposition in the face of difficulty, and was always a great source of support for family, friends and colleagues.

Ferg was predeceased by his wife Barbara and his brother Stuart. He will be greatly missed by his three sons: Jim (Phyllis) Oakville, Ontario; Stuart (Andrea) Kingston, Ontario; Ian (Nancy Edwards) Dartmouth; his five grandchildren, Scott, Eric (Beth), Shawn, Erin (John Lyons) and Emily; his many nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law Joan Harrison.

Cremation has taken place and he will be interred with Barbara and other family in Annapolis Royal during a private family celebration of his life on July 17.

The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff of the Admiral LTC Centre for their generous care, compassion and friendship over the past three years.

Donations may be made to any of Ferg and Barbara’s favourite causes: Food Bank and Salvation Army; Alzheimer, Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes and Lung Associations; King's College and Dalhousie University; Symphony Nova Scotia, Art Gallery and Neptune Theatre.