David Edward Ferguson passed away at his home surrounded by family on October 7, 2017.
David was born on January 25, 1937 in Ambrose, ND to Edward and Blanche (Wehrman) Ferguson. He grew up in Westby, MT and graduated from Westby High School in 1955. David continued his education at the Minneapolis School of Business.
David was married to Shirley Hammer on December 29, 1956. From this marriage was born a son, Howrey, in Minneapolis, MN in 1958 and twin daughters, Lisa and Lori, in Hamilton, MT in 1960.
David was an accountant for a sawmill in Darby, MT from 1960-1967. His family moved to White Sulphur Springs where he was an accountant for another sawmill from 1967-1972. After moving to Glasgow in 1972, David worked for UBC for a short period before joining the Montana Department of Revenue as an appraiser for the Property Assessment Division in 1973. In 1977 he was promoted to Regional Manager supervising multiple counties from the Helena office.
David was married to Sharon Partridge Courchene on October 22, 1977 in Glasgow, MT and together they moved to Helena. David continued his career with the department until his retirement at age 63 in 2000.
David was a lifetime Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Indians, and Montana Griz fan and was a proud Packers share owner. He was an avid sports fan and many games where watched from his prized “Packers” room. In the late 80’s, he owned several race horses that traveled the racing circuit in Montana. David also loved the lake where he and Sharon lived for 17 years. All family and friends were welcome at the lake and Dave loved boating and pulling tubers and skiers for anyone who would be willing to try it. Grandkids were known to ask for both nice and wild rides from Grandpa on the tube and Grandpa was always willing to oblige. It was also a proud moment when David pulled the six Koon boys at one-time slalom skiing behind his beloved boat.
David was a member of IAAO, the Eagles Lodge 16, Aerie, and past Elks Club Member.
David is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon Ferguson of Helena, MT. His three children, a son, Howrey Ferguson of St. Louis, MO and two daughters, Lisa (Tully) Tryan of Plentywood, MT and Lori (Dave) Martin of Benson, MN; Stepson, Pat (Pam) Courchene of Helena, MT and stepdaughter, Chris (Mark Smith) Courchene of Helena, MT. Eight beloved grandchildren: Zachary (Katie) Ferguson, Derrick Ferguson, Jill (Mike) Carlson, Julie (Reid Nicklason) Martin, Daniel Martin, Danielle Tryan, Kirsten Tryan, Patrick Courchene and Kelly (Carlos) Chairez. Four great-grandchildren: Ryane, Weston, Charlotte, Brody, Ferguson and Vivi, and Charlie Chairez. Two siblings, a brother Darrold (Dona) Ferguson of Missoula, MT and sister, Carol Jean (Dick) Capell of Brandon, FL. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bill Adamy and numerous nieces and nephews. He is greatly missed by all.
David is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Howard Ferguson, Aubrey Ferguson, Ione Anderson, Elaine Koon, Marjorie Reed, Selma Sneva, Kathryn Adamy and Vavine in infancy.
Viewing will be at 10:00 a.m. with a service celebrating David’s life to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in David’s name are suggested to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Thursday October 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Thursday October 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Thursday October 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Thursday October 12, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Tripp Hammer says
It is sad to learn of my Uncle Dave’s passing. He was a significant and positive part of my life. I will always fondly remember the baseball games that he coached. I will always remember him offering to take us up to ski in Flathead Lake where he would use me as “bait” while he trolled for the Flathead Lake Monster. He was an awesome uncle!
I feel so lucky to be part of this family and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love,
Tripp
Tom Sandidge says
I will always remember the partridge reunions at David and Sharon’s lake home. Many great memories. David was a very devoute sportsman and lover of all sports. My condolences to the family and blessings to all.
Love to all
DEANNA FERGUSON says
I sure Loved the Big Guy!! He was the glue that kept the family involved & brought us all together for get together, reunions, parties. He was the instigator of lots of fun. I adored him & was privileged to get to see him & Aunt Sharon frequently. He was my partner in crime at Griz games & my nemesis during Green Bay/Dallas games. I gave you that one yesterday!! Much Love Always!!!?
Brandy Hilton says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed working with Dave at the DOR. Sending you a hug, Sharon.
Stacie St.Clair says
I will always remember Dave’s beautiful smile and great laugh, and spending time with him and Sharon & Family at the lake, I am happy to have survived some of those Wild tube rides! Much love and prayers to you Sharon and family, hold tight to memories and he will always be close.
Lots of Love from the St.Clair family (Stacie, Tad, Cooper & Sawyer)
Chris Schock says
I can remember the big guy being so intimidating cause I am vertically challenged. This is a sad time for friends and family and I want to cherish and hold the good times with Dave, Sharon, and my folks. You will be missed big guy, Sharon we love ya and have u in thoughts and prayers. Chris and Elisa Schock
Janet Rasmussen says
So sorry to learn of David’s passing. He was a wonderful person and I have fond memories of him and Sharon on our Westby cruise.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Rest In Peace, David.
Kim Larsen says
My heart became heavy when I heard of Dave’s passing. You were an inspiration to me and wonderful mentor. You introduced myself & the other cartographers to the GIS community which I am still pursuing. May you rest in peace Dave. My sincerest condolences to you Sharon and your family. May God bless you all.
Bucky Wirtzberger says
Dave and I were really close buddies in highschool. We played basketball all 4 years. In the winter we would tie a sled behind a saddle horse and run through the biggest snow drifts we could find. Spent many hours cruzing the drag and riding around the country in his Dad’s Ford pickup. Many more memories, too numerous. To mention here. My deepest sympathies to the family. I know he will be very missed
Cele Pohle says
Dave was a special man and influenced many through his example. PRAYERS for the family
Glennis Osborn says
Sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. It was a pleasure to work with him during the initial stages of the cadastral project for DOR as well as previously in other DOR positions. And also enjoyed the gatherings at Dave & Sharon’s lake home after work! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.