Dick Ferguson was many things to many people – an astute businessman, a lover of his church, a devout family man and a noble military veteran.
But the one moniker that seemed to fit him best was “Patriot” as his son Ron, fondly remembers his father as “red, white and blue through and through.”
Richard (Dick) Frazer Ferguson, 88, a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2008. And true to his wishes, his services will be on a national holiday – Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008.
“He often told Steve Wilson (pastor at Grace Episcopal Church) that when he died, he would like to be buried on a national holiday,” said his son, Ron. “We knew for several days that the end was pretty near, but to have his services on Veterans Day is very appropriate.”
According to everyone who knew Dick, it was his patriotism that shone through.
“He never shed his image of his patriotism,” said Ron. “He never wavered. He loved the flag, his country, his God and his family. He did so many things that was so unparalleled.”
Former Press Managing Editor Randy Turner wrote in his blog The Turner Report, “A world without Dick Ferguson is hard to contemplate, but it seems fitting that he was called home just in time for Veterans Day.”
Dick was stationed at Fort Shafter near Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. He composed a book of poetry and verses about his recollection of that day and other life in general. The book “Look Back Once More” was written in 1956 and is available in the Carthage Library.
In addition to his love for his country, his love of his family was tremendous.
“We were the fortunate recipients of that love,” said Ron. “After his retirement he devoted his live to his family and to his church. He did so much for the church and was a licensed lay reader. He would go to little communities like Lamar and Noel where we had little outmissions and he would lay read there and take the services down there.”
Close personal friend Marvin VanGilder has fond memories of Dick.
“He was for a long-time the outspoken one-man chamber of commerce for the city of Carthage,” said VanGilder. “He made contacts and helped others to see Carthage as an industrial potential.
“Regarding his patriotism, if ever that was a patriot, Dick was the man,” continued VanGilder. “It was like he wore the American Flag everywhere he went. He really did dedicate himself to the preservation of the memory of those who fell in war, particularly in Pearl Harbor.”
