"My heartfelt condolences to the family. As I got to know Don the last several years, it was readily apparent that Don was an intelligent, exceedingly interesting and humorous gentleman, as well as terrific husband to Thelma. I am glad to have known him, albeit too short of a time. He will be missed."
In loving memory of
Donald Jack Ferguson
Donald Jack Ferguson was born on January 2, 1936 in Joliet, IL and raised in Lockport, IL. He died on April 3, 2019 at Acacia Health Center at Sagewood in Phoenix, AZ. Don was the son of Donald and Edna (Hinch) Ferguson and brother to Jim Ferguson and Janet (Ferguson) Troyer, who have all predeceased him.
He graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. He met Thelma (Conrad) there, to whom he was happily wed in 1959. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Don was drafted into the Army, and spent one year of his six year military career in Korea. After returning to the U.S. and civilian life, Don soon took a job with Intermatic Inc., an electronic products manufacturing company headquartered in Spring Grove, IL. He retired in 1999 as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing after 35 years of service.
During their marriage, Don and Thelma moved 13 times, establishing new homes in Illinois,
Michigan, New York, California, and New Jersey. They laid down permanent roots in Crystal Lake, IL (northwest of Chicago), where they were active members of the First Congregational Church and made many close friends.
After retiring, Don and Thelma moved to Scottsdale, where they lived in the CopperWynd neighborhood (in Fountain Hills) from 2001 to 2016, before moving to Sagewood. Don's business took him all over the world. They are thankful that they were often able to combine business travel with pleasure trips and visit five continents (all but Antarctica), all 50 states, and 45 countries.
Don and Thelma have two successful children who represent the greatest achievements of their lives. Marc, married to Mary (Fogelberg) and Jean, married to David Thomas. Their three grandchildren are Ashley (Ferguson) Bontke, Marcus Ferguson, and Conrad Thomas.
Throughout his life, Don had many interests including reading, a love for Frank Sinatra, jazz, and the musicians of the Great American Songbook. He loved photography, electronics, his cats Daisy and Onslow, and staying on top of current events.
A memorial service will be held at the Oasis at Sagewood, 4555 East Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ on Thursday, April 11 from 1-2pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center-Research, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 where Don received over 30 years of excellent care. Visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.
Tributes
"Don was a good friend to me, and I always enjoyed the time we spent together. I will miss him."
"Thelma and Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you."
"A really neet guy to have as a Friend. Don was full of surprises with his great knowledge of People. I will miss the steady flow of emails which Don sent. With condolences to all of his Family and special hug for Thelma. Gil Nary"
"The Clan Ferguson, Mr Ferguson read me like a book and always was a positive respectful understanding.. Always an inspiration in my life... A passionate Reader A passionate Listener A passionate observer of life A man of principals This process last week has been tough on all of us touched by Mr Ferguson... Don... Not only did my dear close friend lose his amazing father. In a selfish way I lost my buddy Don.. Later on in life I felt we entertained Don and he approved with a smile! He was one of us... Blessing to Thelma and Marc and the Clan Ferguson"
"With Heartfelt Sympathy and deeply condolence"
"Ferguson Family, Mr. Ferguson was loved by so many he touched, including myself. His softly spoken words, always rang deep, when sitting to converse about the world we live in. His tenacity to overcome obstacles and continue to have time to smile and joke, will also ring true to me. His legacy will live on by those who have known and loved him, to honor and cherish, all that life has to behold! God Bless the Ferguson Clan and R.I.P. Mr Ferguson."
"Thelma, Tolly and I were saddened to learn of Dons passing and wish you the best at this time."
"Thelma our thoughts are with you many prayers and love"
"Dear Thelma , and family, Our prayers to all of you during this difficult time . Much love, Tom and Louise"
"We just learned of Don's passing and are so very sorry for your loss. Wish we could be with you for his service, but I'm (Jo) currently recovering from hip replacement surgery. We'll be there in spirit Thelma. Love, Jo & Jim Bidle"
"Thelma and Family, Sending lots of love and prayers to you all during this difficult time. May the memories of a life well lived comfort you in the days to come. Much love from Michigan!"
"My husband, Bart FORBES, another great Scotsman and I never had the pleasure of meeting Don however hearing the wonderful stories from his son Marc we can only feel he was a great man, true Scotsman and we are only sorry to not have known him. Marc and Mary will carry the forward the family and Scotsman torch for the Ferguson clan. Our love and thoughts go out to all the Ferguson family at this time Cathy and Bart"
"I am greatly saddened by the passing away of.Don and send my condolences to Thelma and his family. It was thanks to Don that Intermatic Inc. garden lights were distributed throughout Europe. I and others from Bernco are grateful for his help and remember him as a very honest and smart business partner."
"Sorry to hear of Don's passing. I have fond memories of our travels together."