Today we lost a most kind, generous, and loving man. Little children and pets were drawn to him. He could make any child laugh, and he never met a dog he didn’t like or who didn’t like him back. He believed in treating people as he would want to be treated and always accepted people as they are.
Full disclosure, Art was also stubborn. Like really stubborn. Most of you probably recognize that trait.
Art was born to Robert and Donna (Knopp) Ferguson in Denver, Colorado, joining his very much older sister (by 2 years), Laura. Art grew up in Central City, Colorado until his graduation from Golden High School in 1970. Art loved to tell the tales of growing up on HIS mountain and sneaking down to Denver with his friends in his teenage years. Following graduation Art joined the Air Force becoming a helicopter mechanic.
Art had always been drawn to heavy machinery and what made a machine work. He started his mechanic career out by working as a laborer in the trucking department at Coors Brewery while still in high school. Art’s mechanic work took him all over the upper Midwest. While working for Sheehan’s in Rapid City, Art became well known in the timber industry as the go to guy for forestry machinery repair. This encouraged Art to start his own field mechanic business, which he ran for 10 years.
After 30 years Art decided he was done wrenching and bought a logging truck. This offered the best of both worlds for him. He could work doing something he loved in the environment he loved, the woods.
Art’s family thought he would spend the rest of his life in that truck, until that one day. Art’s friend had been trying for years for Art to come to work at the coal mine, Western Energy, in the maintenance department. Well this one particular day, Art finally said yes. For the last five years of Art’s working career, he became a maintenance shop supervisor for Western Energy. Art thought the world of the people that worked on his crew, and often boasted them as the best in the industry.
Due to health reasons, Art had to end his working career and retire. Art was a big classic car enthusiast and spent his remaining years working on his ’71 Torino, helping friends when they needed it, and constantly being under his wife’s feet.
Art is survived by his wife of 28 years, Destiny. Sons Garrick Ferguson, Lyman (Sian) Ferguson, and Jerry Metz. Daughter, Donny Ferguson. 13 Grandkids, and 10 Great Grandkids. Numerous nieces, nephews, and great friends.
Art was predeceased by his parents, sister Laura and her husband Gene Cyckne, grandson Sage, great-grandson Sage Jr., great-granddaughter Waverly, niece Kelsey and his best friend Abel Meza.
While in this world you loved and were loved. I will miss you Love.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to one’s local Humane Society, or animal shelter.
A social hour will take place following the service. As Art was not one for pomp and circumstance and believed dressing up was wearing his best blue jeans, please come as you are in celebration of a great life.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday March 2, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Saturday March 2, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Dave Gunderson says
RIP Art
Garrick Allan Ferguson says
Love you daddy rip
Gail M Ivester says
Condolences to the Ferguson family. Art was always one to give a helping hand . Was an awesome person. He will be deeply missed. Rest in pease Art .
Jeff and Kathy Pimley says
Art was such a kind and caring man. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are sent out to Dez and the rest of Art’s family
Joe Novasio says
You better be wearing Air Jordan’s if you wanted to keep up with Art. Art was hard working,dependable, honest, supporting supervisor and I can say a very good friend. Rest in pease Art Joe and Marita
Debbie Skiles says
Destiny, Jerry and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and Prayers
George & Julie says
Our friend, coworker, and neighbor is truly missed. Art shared his knowledge and humor on a regular basis. He was always willing to help. Who will eat all our extra cherry tomatoes?!
We hope Destiny and his family has found peace just knowing he no longer struggles to breathe. I pray you feel him near you as you go through daily life. He was a sweetheart.