It is with great sadness the family of Dennis Hugh Ferguson announces his passing on September 17, 2021 at the age of 76

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Dennis was a much-loved father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He leaves to mourn his daughters, Johanna Ferguson Soto (Julio) and Erin Spencer (Kyle); as well as grand-daughter Hazel. Also mourning his loss is younger brother Ian Ferguson (Elizabeth); niece Jennifer Porchetta (Steve) and their son Luca. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Capt. Hugh Ferguson (1971) and Lillian “Buddy” Ferguson (2005). Dennis also leaves to mourn, from previous relationships, Kimberley Coxe (and family) and Merleen Cummings (and family).

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Dennis was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia on November 9, 1944 and grew up in both Canada and Europe as his father was a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot. From early in his youth, Dennis was a tremendous athlete, and played many sports including hockey, football, water polo and baseball.  While in Europe he was the catcher for the American All-star baseball team and travelled Europe, including trips to Paris. He enjoyed living in Europe and visited places like the coast of Spain, where he began to develop a love for diving and the ocean.  Upon returning home to Canada, Dennis and family lived in Nova Scotia and Quebec, where he became an avid skier. Moving to Winnipeg in his late teens, Dennis attended Westwood Collegiate in St. James and drag racing became his newest passion. Whether cruising down Portage Avenue or competing at Gimli, Keystone or Bison Dragways, Dennis loved the roar of an engine and showing what he could do with his latest set of wheels.

 

Dennis married Kimberley McDevitt and had daughters Johanna (1970) and Erin (1975). The family lived predominantly in Winnipeg, MB, but spent several years in Thunder Bay, ON, when Dennis was transferred for his job. Dennis began his successful and colourful career with Canada Safeway stocking shelves on the midnight crew; he worked hard and rose quickly through the ranks to become a Store Manager. He managed many different locations throughout his almost 30-year career, oftentimes being called in to help troubleshoot problems at other locations or to help set up and open new stores.

 

Dennis's hard work enabled him to retire early and dedicate more time to his numerous and much loved hobbies, which included computing, anything science fiction (Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Battlestar Galactica were big favorites), working on his pool, and competitive IPSC shooting and marksmanship. In retirement, Dennis re-discovered one of his favorite hobbies, scuba diving. He went on to achieve the elite status of Master Diver and his love of the ocean took him on adventures to locations like Bonaire and Cozumel.

 

Dennis's family extends a special heartfelt thank you to his caregivers over the last several years at Riverview Health Center, in particular, the C2 team; we are immensely grateful for the loving patient care you provided to Dennis. 

 

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service for family and close friends will be held at a later date.

 

Dennis’s family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by visiting his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him, are available there.

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Donations, if one wishes, can be made to the Alzheimer's Society or the Dementia Society.