We Remember
FERGUS, David Alfred
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David passed away on January 4, 2021, at the age of 77 years after a courageous battle with Asbestosis. He leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Carol Eamer; his son Mark Andrew Fergus in Airdrie, AB; and his granddaughter Madisyn Helena Genovy-Fergus of Airdrie, AB; as well as his sister Sally Giesbrecht of Laird, SK; and his brother Bruce J. Fergus of Nanaimo, BC. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Fergus.
Born in Manchester, England, while his father Jack Fergus was serving in the Canadian Armed Forces in Europe, my amazing husband had a fascinating life of travel and adventure from the very beginning. Sadly, Dave’s mother Barbara Fergus (née Summerville) passed away when he was 4 months old and baby David was taken across the Atlantic to be raised by his grandparents in Winnipeg, MB until his father returned from the war. Subsequently, his father re-married and Dave’s brother and sisters were born after the family moved to Saskatoon, SK. Upon graduation from high school, Dave decided to go travelling and returned to England before going to New Zealand to work with his uncle, Don Fergus. Returning to Canada in 1970, Dave married his high-school sweetheart Dale Galbraith and continued to work in the insulation trade. Realizing that asbestos was impacting his lungs, Dave left the trade in 1981 and joined the OH&S Division of the Alberta Government. In 1985, Dave married Carol Eamer and became father to Mark. Dave was a wonderful, loving husband and father to Mark, of whom he was especially proud to see develop into an exceptional young man.
At Dave’s request there will be no funeral, a celebration of his life will be planned for later this year.
Dearly loved and missed by his wife, family and numerous friends and acquaintances in the OH&S world, Dave will always be remembered as a storyteller, an educator and a mentor. Forever in our hearts.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Carol, We were sad to hear of Dave’s passing and send our condolences to you and Dave’s family. We are fortunate to have had you and Dave as neighbours to Mom and Dad – always ready with a cheerful hello and wave and especially for wonderful dinners shared with Dad after mom had passed. He enjoyed sharing stories with Dave who bravely faced his health challenges without complaint. May his memory and his stories bring you joy that lasts in your heart.
Michele and Dan, and Jim
Happy memories when we were neighbors on Thornbank Drive, as neighbors. Our family remembers Dave singing and we send our condolences. To you Carol, and family, Gerry and Diane.
Carol and Family, I really sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I knew you two had moved out to the coast as I saw an article about you two in the real estate section of the paper a few years ago. I enjoyed working with Dave, he always struck me as a positive, happy guy who enjoyed his work. My condolences to you and the family. Take care Gord
Bruce Davies
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I met Dave in 1968 in N.Z. We worked together for a couple of weeks before I went overseas on a working holiday. In 1976 I arrived in Calgary after living in Britain, Bermuda and Vancouver. The first job I worked on in Calgary I heard a voice that I thought I knew, I went closer and realized who it was and said, I know you, he replied ‘I don’t think so mate’. We laughed and I told him his last name is Fergus and he was working for his uncle and he was from Winnipeg. We socialized a little after that and didn’t see each other for another 36 years. I was in Ricky’s having breakfast one morning and he sat down at the table beside me. I said to him, I know you, he replied ‘I don’t think so’ lol. This time I thought I would tease him a little. I reminded him of the van he had which he had painted in Air New Zealand colours, he then sent a photo of it to Air N.Z. thinking they may offer him some money for the advertising he was doing for them, they wrote back and said if he didn’t remove those colours from his van they would sue him. He was a barrel of laughs and a super nice guy. It was my privilege to have several interactions in several different countries with you Dave.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country