Walter Alvin Ferguson, 83, of Broadus, MT passed away on December 9, 2017 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Walter was born on January 31, 1934 in Phillip, SD to Everett and Florence Lathrop Ferguson. When he was a teenager, Walter lost both of his parents and Robert “Bob” and Mary McCurdy became his surrogate parents. He graduated high school in Broadus and went into the Marine Corps, serving in the Korean war. Upon returning from Korea, Walter attended Montana State in Bozeman where he received a degree in Teaching. He taught in Power, MT, Chinook, MT, then in Broadus for 22 years, and finally at the Ashland Public Schools as a guidance counselor. In 1963, Walter and Ella Mae Cook were married.
Walter loved hunting and sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Red Sox, his dogs, working on his house and in his garden, and flowers. In his later years he took care of the Cottonwood Park.
Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife Ella Mae, his parents and his brother Duane.
Walter is survived by his stepson Tom (Colleen) Barrett of Billings, MT; grandchildren Dustin (Annie) Smith and their daughter Piper, Daniel Smith, Derek (Jenna) Smith and their son Ryot.
Memorials may be made to the Powder River Manor or the local VFW.
Cheryl Klemp says
So sorry to hear of Walters passing. I was a student of his when I was in high school at powder River.Prayers to the family.
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
So sorry! losing such a good friend is very hard to take. Now in peace with Ella Mae. Our thoughts & prayers for family & friends.
Connie and Jesse Barnhart says
Walter was a prince among men. He was a great teacher in the classroom and continued to teach people how to live a good life through his example. Our community was truly blessed to have Walter and Ella Mae as our own.
Connie (Earley) Watts says
Mr. Ferguson has always been my most influential and favorite teacher, although those feelings probably weren’t reciprocated – I’m afraid I let him down as a student! 🙁 He was our class sponsor (1973) and we always considered ourselves fortunate for that. Sometime in the last year or so, after Mrs. Richards passed away,, I sat down and wrote a letter letting him know how I felt. Never heard back from him, but I hope he received it. I wish I had written one to her, too, because she was also one of my most admired teachers. I guess I thought I’d better write one to him before it was too late! Will always remember him with fondness and respect.
Jim Coate says
Walter was one of the most thoughtful, considerate, wise, and influential people in my life. I would have never survived my first few years of teaching without his wisdom, kindness, and advice. I thought then, and still do today, that Mr. Ferguson had an appropriate opinion on almost everything. He will be missed by those who had the good fortune to know him. What a fine, fine man.
Cathleen Magann says
Tom and Colleen
Walter was a special man. I have no doubt that Ella Mae was waiting for Walter at the pearly gates. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. Love You More Cathy
Larry & Deanna (Damm) Hay says
Mr Ferguson was my favorite teacher…I took speech all four years! He was also my counselor & thought I should do something in communication… he had lots of patience to put up with all of us…he was kind & was well respected by his students…prayers to you Tom & your family.. Love
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to Walter’s family at this difficult time. Mr. Ferguson was a very influential and dedicated teacher at Powder River County High School. I, too was one of his students. He was very articulate and knew how to put words together. He, like Ray Mace, had your back if you were serious about choosing a career after high school and bettering yourself. He backed you if you were trying, and gave a sometimes “hard push” if he knew you could do better. (Even though it was irritating to some of us at times) I know he will have a glorious reunion with not only Ella Mae, but all of the faculty and staff of PRCHS who went on before. Sadly, the community of Broadus suffered yet another loss. May God Bless all of you and may you rest in peace, Mr. Ferguson.
Klayton and Mary Jane Rogge says
Tom and Colleen, My heart goes out to both of you. Thank you for sharing Walter with me, especially the last couple of years. He was very special to all the McCurdy girls. We will never forget that special bond we felt with him. He was our only brother. He always had the best advice, the kindest heart, and knew exactly when I needed him most. I will love you forever and always, Walter. Soar high with the angels and enjoy being with your wife and family. You made a difference.
Ted & Cathy Elgin says
Our sincere sympathy to Walter’s family. We knew both Walter and Ella Mae through our high school years first and then later through life. They were special people. My Mom and Walter ate their meals at the same table at the nursing home so we visited with him often. Mom told me that you were going to be there Tom one day for a meal and she said she would eat elsewhere. Walter didn’t allow that. Very nice of him. Thank you both. She was very appreciative and enjoyed visiting. He will be missed.
Patricia Reeves says
Patricia(Williams) Reeves
Mr. Ferguson was also my favorite and most influential teacher! I was always pleased to see him and Ella Mae when I came home to Broadus to visit family. The Fergusons were a very special part of our church and community. They will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
jane Thompson says
Mr. Fegruson as we all called him was a wonderful teacher and even when he had to discipline us their was a hint of a smile on his face. He always remembered our names and would greet us by our first name….never could understand how he was able to remembered.
Henry J Eslinger says
Walter was a great and loyal friend. He was a fine gentleman and a kind caring person. His counsel was a great benefit to me the years I worked with him. May God grant hime th peace he so richly deserves.
Henry Eslinger