William Albert “Bill” Ferguson, 82, died peacefully Thursday morning, March 16, 2017, in hospital.
Bill was born in Port Arthur, September 18, 1934, youngest child to his parents William and Edith, and brother to his big sister Delores.
As a young child Bill moved with his family to Geraldton, where he spent his childhood years. During these years Bill developed his lifelong love for the outdoors.
Out of high school, with an appetite for experiencing life outside his small town, Bill enlisted in the armed forces, where he served abroad for 3 years. During this time in the Engineering division, Bill not only was able to travel the globe, but also develop his skills building and repairing, an interest which would follow him throughout his life.
Bill moved to Atikokan in 1953, working as a Heavy Duty Mechanic at the Steep Rock Iron Mines. It was during this time that Bill met and married his wife Tannis, of 25 years and they had the first of 3 children, daughter, Heather.
In 1963 Bill and his family moved to Thunder Bay where he continued his career as a Heavy Duty Mechanic, working for Cummins. It was during these early years in Thunder Bay that they had their 2 sons, Douglas and Michael.
Bill spent the majority of his working career as Service Manager at Western Star Trucks until his retirement. It was the perfect position for Bill as he was able to combine his mechanical skills with his love of helping people. Bill’s customers were his friends, many with whom he enjoyed a lifelong relationship.
Most of Bill’s free time was spent at his Castor Island camp on Lake Shebandowan where he enjoyed building, fishing, campfires, walks, and most importantly spending time with family and friends.
Post retirement Bill spent several years in Southern Ontario enjoying the warmer weather and building a special relationship with his daughter and her young family.
Bill lived his life with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering sense of right and wrong. He raised his family with these same values. Bill’s family had grown to appreciate the constant support, encouragement and unconditional love he provided. He was very proud of his family, and would highlight to anyone who would listen, the various accomplishments of his grandchildren.
Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Edith Ferguson, his sister Delores, and nephew Murray.
