Obituary of Robert "Bob" John Ferguson

FERGUSON: Robert John "Bob" Ferguson passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the age of 59 years. Born the youngest child of Marion and Jock Ferguson on July 19, 1958 at the Brandon General Hospital, Bob grew up running free on the north hill with the many friends he had in the neighbourhood. Bob always had a special affinity for the Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC) grounds where he spent so much time with his dad, who was the Head Chef and his mom, who was the Psych Nursing Instructor. All through his life, he enjoyed touring the north hill and BMHC grounds and had so many special memories of the happy times and hijinks of his childhood. Bob was a proud lifelong resident of Brandon. After attending various schools in Brandon in his formative years, working at several different jobs learning varied and valued life skills and making many connections in the business community, Bob returned to school, graduating with his Business Administration Diploma from Assiniboine Community College on June 8, 1984, ultimately sitting as an ACC Board Member for a period of time. He often chuckled about one meeting when he raised a point of order according to Robert's Rules, and someone not familiar with the publication asked why Robert got to make the rules! Whether Robert's Rules of Order was his publication or not, Bob lived his life always challenging the status quo and questioning anything that did not make sense to him. He especially enjoyed his years working as a server at The Keg, always trying to make reservations (which he knew were not allowed) under assumed names. Those around him benefitted and grew from his unique outlook and sheer joy of life. Following ACC, Bob recognized the potential in a small coffee shop publication, and became the proud owner of Take One/News In A Minute effective July 15, 1992. This became his life-long passion, giving him the opportunity to let his imagination and creativity truly shine. The headline in the July 18 - 20, 1992 News In A Minute edition stated that the well-known Brandon entrepreneur purchased the daily newspaper in a bold and impressive move. This was a harbinger of the future as he built his paper into the success story it is today. He was always looking for ways to improve his paper, had franchises across Canada and was working on expansion with current day digital opportunities. Bob enjoyed every aspect of his business, from researching the contents, to setting up and producing daily, and especially delivering News In A Minute every day where he met so many people which evolved into many lifelong friendships. He enjoyed teasing all the servers who teased him right back. The measure of his success and what he accomplished was evident by the many people who waited for his paper delivery and to have a quick chat. He was touched by those who helped him in recent months deliver the papers into the restaurants. Bob was a fixture at many events that were special to him. He always attended the Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner, an unofficial "coordinator", to help it run smoothly, find solutions where needed and ensure that guests were able to be seated as soon as possible. Many knew Bob as doorman at the Scottish Pavilion where he proudly displayed his Scottish heritage in his kilt every year. Bob looked forward to the UFC Fight Nights at Smitty's where he could protect the girls that were working and help keep things running efficiently. He enjoyed all the years that he refereed at ACC's Sun of a Beach Volleyball Tournament. Brandon Wheat King games always saw Bob standing at the top of Section 19 at intermissions, calling out greetings and chatting with almost everyone who went by, and always happiest when he had Uzeless #1 and #2 there with him. He was well known at Houston's Country Roadhouse OFC nights where many friends shared such great times with him. Bob was always interested in any new opportunity to experience in life. Family and Friends who were fortunate to be close to him knew that Bob was a gentle giant with a huge heart of gold. He always looked to protect those around him. He was always watching to ensure people were safe. There were countless times that he saw a stranger in need and automatically stepped up to help them out. Bob could not keep hidden from those closest to him his strong sentimental streak, always giving flowers for no reason to brighten someone's day, honouring family members by sponsoring awards in their name, ensuring that his grandfather's ring would remain in the family, and surprising many friends and loved ones with heart-felt gifts unexpectedly. He did such things as sponsoring an award at a golf tournament for the most average player as there were always the Best and Worst awards, but he felt the average person needed to be recognized too. Bob enjoyed many outings in his prized 1994 Ford Mustang convertible, touring Brandon and countryside, to Portage to see his sister as often as possible, and to Lethbridge AB to see his cherished friend of many years. His Mustang attended many grads and weddings over the years for the people he cared about. He was delighted to have recently become a "Jeeple" person and was always sure to do the "Jeep wave". Bob ventured further afield in the last few years and fell in love with Jamaica, making as many trips there as possible and planning his Jamaican retirement. Anyone who knew Bob knew of his affinity with his feline friends. He was chosen by many cats over his lifetime to be their willing servant. He always talked about Smokey, was so saddened to say good-bye to Bizkit and Muffin during the past year, and is greatly missed by Magic. Bob is survived by sister Florence McLeod, brother Doug (Wendy) Ferguson, sisters Mary (Roland) Laurin and Jessica Ferguson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Marion and John Reid (Jock) Ferguson, brother Dave Ferguson, nephew Matthew Ferguson and brother Dr. Ian Ferguson. Bob is missed deeply by his family and special friends Kathy Steele, daughter Nicole Steele and Pat Yonda, daughter Amy Yonda. Bob always held a special place in his heart for Amy, who he watched grow up. He watched over and protected Amy and Nicole like the papa bear he was. It is said that you can always tell where a beautiful soul has been by the tears and the smiles left behind. Bob – you have left many tears and smiles – but it is ultimately the laughter that you brought to everyone's days that truly shows how big and beautiful you were and will always be and the positive impact that you have had on so many lives. Your imposing presence masked your heart of gold and generous spirit. You left as you lived – booming that chest deep laughter with a great friend! As per Bob's wishes, there will not be a formal service. A private gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon MB R7A 7M6 or to a charity of choice. "We raise a toast to Bob for a life fully lived!"