From Jonathan and Hillary Ferguson, to our late father Neil – we know you’re listening.
We are heartbroken to share the sudden passing of our father, 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 felt like home for the Ferguson Family, and we treasure having spent so much of our childhood in the same house where Dad grew up.
After finishing high school at Tantramar High, Dad went to Halifax where he attended Dalhousie University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science before getting his Juris Doctor in Law. It was not long after completing his law degree that he met our mother, Elizabeth (née Mac Eachern). Our parents tied the knot in 1995 before welcoming us into their loving family.
Dad had a lot of interests. He loved Jimmy Buffet and made sure Buffet was Jonathan’s first concert experience. Cooking was another passion of his. He inherited his father’s appreciation for scotch and built an impressive collection of Parliamentary Speakers’ Scotches. He enjoyed poker and collecting poker chips – we’ll let his friends share how good he really was at playing because during everyday life he didn’t quite have the best poker face. His expressions were so lively; you could easily tell what he was feeling even before he spoke.
Neil strongly believed in defending democratic institutions. He recognized that these institutions provide a platform for voices to be heard. Among the various roles throughout his career, his commitment to democracy shone brightest when he served as Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.
As Chief Clerk, he diligently provided wise, non-partisan advice to the Speaker and all Members regardless of party affiliation. Neil viewed his role as one that balanced political forces – even if it meant opposing the government at times. He believed that rules should be followed both legally and ethically. Not only did he serve as a fair referee of those rules but also aimed for Members to understand that the House wasn’t just a place for political games but rather a space for meaningful work.
He showed us how one person’s passion can create such a significant impact when pursued wholeheartedly.
He touched many lives throughout his journey.
By the end of his career, friendships spanned across Canada for him. As kids, we were fortunate enough to accompany him on summer work conferences where we met those friends and explored every single province by our teenage years. Very few Canadians get an opportunity like that early on in life! Dad took immense pride when both work and personal connections blended together this way.
Dad had an enormous smile along with a laugh that you’d never forget – plus a unique talent for making everyone around him join in on laughter.
He was always there for us without fail. During his last six years on Prince Edward Island, he got to enjoy more time with family than ever before-especially alongside our dogs Uisge and Bèilagh! His smile, laughter, and love turned our new house into an actual home.
The love Dad had for our mother Elizabeth was unmatched; her strength and compassion made her truly special as a partner-and he never hesitated to express how lucky he felt having her by his side through it all.
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Neil was proud to be a first-generation Canadian who fully believed in this country’s future from deep within himself. Dad was such a loving person filled with humor who openly appreciated family every single day.
He’s left us too soon but lived long enough knowing that both children truly understood him-felt endless love-and will carry it with them every day moving forward.
We will forever remember our incredible Neil.
Sending far away hugs your way, Dad. *** We’d like to express gratitude towards King’s Memorial Hospital staff especially Dr. Thor Christianson & Nurse Beckyfor their care during this time. A celebration honoring Neil’s life will take place on January 9th-his birthday-at Mount Allison University , Purdy Crawford Centre , for Arts ,152 Main St., Sackville , NB E4L 4B3 , Canada , starting from 1:00 PM. Anyone wishing may attend. Guests are welcome park freely within Mount Allisonparking lots. We invite donations made toward Heartand Stroke Foundationof Canada. https://www. heartandstroke. ca/heart-disease
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He’s left us too soon but lived long enough knowing that both children truly understood him-felt endless love-and will carry it with them every day moving forward.
We will forever remember our incredible Neil.
Sending far away hugs your way, Dad. *** We’d like to express gratitude towards King’s Memorial Hospital staff especially Dr. Thor Christianson & Nurse Beckyfor their care during this time. A celebration honoring Neil’s life will take place on January 9th-his birthday-at Mount Allison University , Purdy Crawford Centre , for Arts ,152 Main St., Sackville , NB E4L 4B3 , Canada , starting from 1:00 PM. Anyone wishing may attend. Guests are welcome park freely within Mount Allisonparking lots. We invite donations made toward Heartand Stroke Foundationof Canada. https://www. heartandstroke. ca/heart-disease
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