Donald Carvel Ferguson, one of the early members of the University's Department of Mathematics, passed away October 8, 2022 at the age of 88. Professor, father, grandfather, mountaineer and mathematician extraordinaire, Don left this world surrounded by his family and friends. In the last decade of his life, Don suffered from congestive heart failure, dementia and Parkinson’s. Although Don did not particularly believe in an afterlife – those of us left behind believe that his spirit continues. We are glad that he has been able to join those who went before him: His beloved mother: Theresa Nussberger, his first wife: Patricia Ferguson, and his subsequent life partner: Rae Firth.
Don had a brilliant mind which he developed through lifelong learning. After high school he went on to complete his Bachelor of Math and Physics at the University of Manitoba. He then earned his Master's degree from McGill University, finishing his graduate schooling in 1963 with a PHD in Mathematics from Rutgers University. He spent the majority of his teaching years at the University of Lethbridge in the Department of Mathematics and Computing Science. Dennis Connolly, who spent nearly 20 years working with him, remembers him as a very smart man and ardent fan of Pronghorns hockey.
After retiring, Don was very active with the Castle Crown Wilderness Association – working hard to protect bear habitat from commercial development. He was also very active politically, running as a candidate in federal elections: initially for the NDP party and later for the Green Party.
In his younger years, Don was very athletic – he was a runner and completed several marathons. He hiked, climbed, canoed, and kayaked. He skied with his family and served on the volunteer Ski Patrol. As he aged, he slowly turned to gentler pursuits: he lovingly tended Patty’s garden after she passed away. He became interested in cooking and canning preserves. He always had a book or newspaper in his hands – most interested in science and politics, railing fiercely against world injustice. He loved to travel and remembered fondly the trips he took with Rae to Newfoundland. Don had many gifts, but expediency was not among them. His longest running project was a math textbook that he worked on for over ten years but did not live long enough to compete.
Don will be lovingly remembered by the Ferguson family – his children: Brandon and Kirsten; his daughter-in-law: Susan, his grandchildren: Taisha, Taylor, Dustin and Brian. He will also be deeply missed by the Firth Family: Patrick, Lana, Randy, Deb and Tim; and his lifelong friend: Klaus Jericho.
At Don’s request there was no funeral.
Dad: I hope that heaven is full of prime numbers! Love always,
Your family and friends.
Source:
Condolences — Don Ferguson | Notice Board (ulethbridge.ca)
Cornerstone Funeral Home - Obituary of Donald Cavel Ferguson