From Jonathan and Hillary Ferguson, to our late father Neil – we know you’re listening.
We’re heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected passing of our dad, Neil Ferguson, KC.
Dad was born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 9, 1962, while his parents Dr. Laing Ferguson and Joyce Ferguson were in Canada for Laing’s post doctorate. Laing and Joyce then moved with Neil to Sackville, New Brunswick. Soon after, Neil’s brothers Andrew and Kirk joined the family. Laing and Joyce dedicated their careers to Mount Allison University. That town truly became home for the Ferguson Family, and we hold dear the memories of growing up in the same house Dad did.
After finishing at Tantramar High School, Dad headed to Halifax where he attended Dalhousie University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science followed by a Juris Doctor in Law. Shortly after completing his law degree, he met our mother, Elizabeth (née Mac Eachern). Our parents tied the knot in 1995 before welcoming us into their loving family.
Dad had so many interests. He loved Jimmy Buffet and made sure that Jonathan’s first concert was one of Buffet’s shows. Cooking was another passion of his. He inherited his father’s fondness for scotch and built an impressive collection of Parliamentary Speakers’ Scotches. Poker also captured his attention along with collecting poker chips – but we’ll let his friends tell you how skilled he was at playing poker since day-to-day he didn’t have the best poker face. His expressions were always vivid; his love, humor, and passion shone through so clearly that you often knew what he felt without him saying anything.
Neil stood as a strong advocate for democratic institutions because he believed they provided a platform for voices to be heard. Among the various roles throughout his career, his dedication to democracy really stood out during his time as Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.
As Chief Clerk, he diligently provided wise advice that remained non-partisan to both the Speaker and all Members regardless of party affiliation. Neil viewed his position as a way to balance political forces – even if it meant opposing those in power at times. He strongly believed that rules should not just be followed legally but also respected in spirit. He wasn’t just a fair judge of those rules; he wanted Members to understand that Parliament wasn’t about political games but rather an essential place for meaningful work. Professionalism, trustworthiness, and cooperation defined how he carried himself.
He showed us how significant an individual can be when they pursue their passions wholeheartedly.
He impacted countless people around him.
By the end of his career, friendships stretched across Canada for him. We were fortunate enough as kids to join him at summer work conferences where we met these friends and traveled every province by our teenage years – something few Canadians experience so early on! Dad felt immense pride when both aspects of life blended like this.
Dad had an incredible smile paired with an unforgettable laugh – plus a special way of making others laugh alongside him.
No matter what happened, he was always there for us. In recent years on Prince Edward Island, he enjoyed more quality time with family than ever before-especially with our dogs Uisge and Bèilagh by his side. His smile filled our new house with warmth making it truly feel like home.
Above all else, Dad deeply loved our mother Elizabeth for her strength and compassion; she was exactly what he needed as a partner throughout life’s journey together-and he never hesitated to show her just how lucky he’d gotten having her beside him all along.
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Neil was a first-generation Canadian who passionately believed in this country’s future from deep within himself. Dad brought joy wherever he went while openly embracing family life wholeheartedly!
You left too soon-but somehow it felt like your time here mattered! You knew your two children saw you clearly-they felt your endless love which they’ll carry forward every single day!
Your amazing presence will forever stay alive within us!
Sending hugs from afar-Dad!
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A heartfelt thank you goes out to King’s Memorial Hospital staff for their care-especially Dr. Tor Christianson & Nurse Becky!
A celebration honoring Neil’s life is set for January 9th-his birthday-at Mount Allison University’s Purdy Crawford Centre For The Arts located at 152 Main St., Sackville NB E4L 4B3 Canada starting at 1 p. m.; everyone who wants is welcome! Guests may park freely across Mount Allison parking lots!
Please consider donating towards Heart And Stroke Foundation Of Canada:https://www. heartandstroke. ca/heart-disease
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