September 25, 1934 – July 19, 2023
It is with great sadness we announce that Gary Ferguson passed away last week. Gary was born in Chilliwack and has lived and worked his entire life in this community.
Born to John and Myrtle Ferguson he followed in their teaching footsteps, teaching grade 5/6 at Yarrow, Central (where he went to school as a child) Bernard, and many years at Greendale Elementary.
Gary is predeceased by his wife Donna (Bowing) who he met at Normal School (Teaching College) and married in 1958. After living in the family log cabin on Lakeshore Drive at Cultus Lake until 1961 they moved to the house that he, his had and brother built on Mt. View Rd. Dad lived in his house exactly as he wanted right to the end.
Gary is survived by his two daughters Sandra (Bill) Haig, Laura (Rob) Watson, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Predeceased by his brother Denis and survived by his brother Dene (Wendy).
When Gary wasn’t teaching he was fishing or cutting wood. He was an avid fisherman spending hours on the Vedder, Fraser and Thompson rivers. For many years he had a Cedar claim and would be seen hauling the massive rounds of cedar in his not so shiny truck, back to the house to hand split shakes for quite a few houses at the lake, Chilliwack and even the island.
The last house to have those shakes is his daughter’s house in Greendale.
He volunteered for many years with the Cultus Lake Fire Department, riding his bike to the hall when his pager went off. He was active with the Cultus Lake Swim Club, coached baseball teams, and spent hours planning special activities for his students.
Gary was strong and independent until his last few days. He lived life how he wanted to and he will be dearly missed.
In lieu of cards or flowers the family asks that you go fishing, get out into the forest or have a salmon dinner with family (preferably Sockeye as that was his favourite).
Obituary-