Obituary of Thomas Wells Ferguson, III
Thomas Wells Ferguson III, 82 passed away on June 6, 2020 after a courageous year-long battle with kidney cancer.
He was born May 5, 1938 in Richmond, VA to Thomas Wells Ferguson Jr and Mary Todd Sawhill Ferguson. Tom attended Wilbraham Academy and transferred to Technical High School in Springfield, MA where he met the love of his life, Patricia Kirkley Ferguson in French class. After he served two years in the Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, Tom and Pat were married on August 15, 1959. He received a BSBA in Finance from Babson College in 1962 and an MBA in Marketing from Pace University.
Tom and Pat moved to Bedford, NY in 1968 and became active members of the Bedford Presbyterian Church. He served as President of the Bedford Chowder & Marching Society and was on the Board of Directors for the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. He volunteered with the Emergency Shelter Partnership and served as both a Deacon and an Elder at the Bedford Presbyterian Church. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, he ran two New York City Marathons and continued to be an active member of the Saw Mill Health and Fitness club until his illness began last year; often trying to emulate the younger gym members in their workout routines. He was an avid, if not sometimes frustrated fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants. Tom and Pat took advantage of Pat’s career in the travel business and took many wonderful trips. Their favorite trip was to see the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba and they also enjoyed a second honeymoon in Tahiti in an overwater bungalow.
Tom had a long career in advertising and marketing and often enjoyed telling his friends and family about his early days at Clairol as a product director. He enjoyed helping friends and family members network during their own career explorations. However, his greatest legacy is the love, care and support he gave his family. Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat, his daughters Jane (Peter) Hueber of Skaneateles, NY, and Jill (Rich) Ferguson Warmbier of Saratoga Springs, NY, his grandchildren, Thomas Ferguson Hueber, Scott Hueber (Nora Kornfeld), Kathryn Hueber and Madison Warmbier. He is also survived by his brother, Peter Ferguson and seven nieces and their families. He leaves behind his beloved dog Duffy, who was by his side for the entire battle with cancer.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers who cared for Tom during his battle with cancer. The outpouring of support from friends and family members has helped to sustain Pat, Jane and Jill during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to The Ferguson Memorial Music Fund at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, PO Box 280, Bedford, NY 10506.
A small family service will be held in the next week when he will be laid to rest in the Bedford Presbyterian Church columbarium. Since we are unable to assemble in a large group due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the family is planning a celebration of life concert when it is safe to gather.
