From Jonathan and Hillary Ferguson, to our late father Neil – we know you’re listening.

We are saddened to pass on the sudden and unexpected death of our father, Neil Ferguson, KC.

Dad was born in Edmonton, Alberta on January 9, 1962, while his parents Dr. Laing Ferguson and Joyce Ferguson were in Canada for Laing’s post doctorate. Laing and Joyce then relocated with Neil to Sackville, New Brunswick. Neil’s brothers Andrew and Kirk joined the family soon after. Laing and Joyce spent the rest of their careers at Mount Allison University. That town truly was the Ferguson Family’s home, and we cherish having spent so much of our early years in the same house Dad grew up in.

After graduating from Tantramar High, Dad moved to Halifax where he studied at Dalhousie University, earning his undergraduate degree in Political Science, and later his Juris Doctor in Law. It was shortly after his law degree that he met our mother, Elizabeth (née MacEachern). Our parents married in 1995, before welcoming us into their loving family.

Dad had so many passions. He adored Jimmy Buffet and made sure Buffet was Jonathan’s first live concert. He loved to cook. He inherited his father’s love for scotch and built an outstandingly impressive collection of Parliamentary Speakers’ Scotches. He loved poker and collecting poker chips – we’ll let his friends comment on how talented he was at the game itself, though, because in day-to-day life he didn’t have the best poker face. His face was so, so expressive. His love, his humour, his passion – it was just all so visible that you often knew exactly what he was feeling before he even said a word.

Neil was a fierce defender of democratic institutions. He knew that it was those very institutions that gave space for voices to be heard. Out of the various positions he held throughout his career, his passion for democracy shone brightest during his years as Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.

As Chief Clerk, he worked hard to give sage, non-partisan advice to the Speaker and all Members, regardless of their party. Neil saw his role as one of tempering the forces of politics – even if that meant being at odds with the government of the day. He felt strongly that the rules should be not only obeyed in law, but in spirit. He was not only a fair arbiter of the rules, but someone who wanted Members to understand that the House wasn’t an arena for political games, but a place for important work to be done. He espoused professionalism, trustworthiness, and cooperation in his demeanour.

He showed us what a big impact one person can have when you find your passion and pursue it unashamedly.

He left his mark on so many people.

By the end of his career, he had friendships spanning the country. As kids, we were lucky enough to tag along with him to summer work conferences, to meet those friends, and to visit every single province by the time we were teenagers. Not many Canadians ever get a chance to visit every province, let alone so early in their lives. Dad was so proud to have his work and personal worlds crossover in that way.

Dad had the biggest smile and an absolutely unforgettable laugh – and a unique way of making those around him laugh with him.

He was always, always there for us. During his last six years on Prince Edward Island, he got to enjoy more time with his family than ever before, especially alongside our dogs Uisge and Bèilagh. His smile, laughter, and love built our new house into our new home.

Above all, Dad absolutely adored our mother, Elizabeth, for her strength, her compassion, and for being the best partner he could have ever asked for. He knew how lucky he was to have someone like her at his side all the way and communicated that love to her in so many ways.

***

Neil was a first-generation Canadian who believed in the future of this country with all his heart. Dad was a loving, hilarious, joyful man who openly cherished his family with all his heart.

He’s gone too soon. Yet he was here for just long enough. He knew that his two children really saw him, felt his endless love, and will carry it with them every day.

We will never forget our amazing Neil.

Far away hugs, Dad.

***

We would like to thank the staff at King’s Memorial Hospital for their care – in particular Dr. Thor Christianson and Nurse Becky.

A celebration of Neil’s life will take place on January 9th – his birthday – at Mount Allison University, Purdy Crawford Centre, for the Arts, 152 Main St. Sackville, NB E4L 4B3, Canada, at 1:00 p.m.  It is open to all who wish to attend.  Guests can park anywhere in the Mount Allison parking lots. 

We encourage donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease