Thomas Frank Ferguson
August 24, 1936 – July 6, 2015
Tom was born on August 24, 1936 in Great Falls, Montana. His parents were Frank L. and Mary (Bartlett) Ferguson, a civil engineer and teacher, respectively. He attended grade schools throughout Montana and the western states before the family moved to Billings where he graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1955. During his senior year, he received recognition for his woodworking abilities. Tom served with the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Division, from January 1956 until his discharge in January 1959. He then attended Eastern Montana College (now MSU-Billings) where he studied with artists and lifelong heroes Lyndon Pomeroy and Ben Steele.
Tom and Maxine met during their junior year at Billings Senior High School, and were married on August 14, 1960 at the First Methodist Church in Billings. Thus began over a half-century of backroads, shortcuts, and other adventures together. They moved to Bozeman in 1962 to attend Montana State University where he completed requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Interior Design. He worked for the Montana Highway Commission, Bozeman Division and for Wellhouser Plumbing and Heating in Manhattan while attending college. Later, he completed requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education with teaching certification.
The couple relocated to Roundup, Montana where Tom taught junior high and senior high industrial arts, and where daughter Christine joined the family. Returning to Bozeman in 1968, (one year in Roundup was enough!) Tom worked as a teaching assistant at Montana State University while completing requirements for a Master’s of Education degree.
In 1970, the family moved to Helena where Tom joined the maverick Sunhaven staff (later Capital High School) to teach industrial arts, technology education, carpentry, and cabinetmaking. Son, Scott, joined the family in 1972. Tom enjoyed many years teaching and mentoring students in VICA, and recounted many interesting trips to Havre for competitions.
After retiring in June 1994, he became a gourmet cook and home brewer, including wine, beer, and, with granddaughter Sidney, some very explosive root beer. Other special interests and hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking, dogs, and collecting duck stamps. His family was very important and he loved presiding at frequent family dinners.
Being unable to totally retire from teaching, Tom taught Hunters Education for 20 plus years and served as the County Chief for Hunters Education for 2010. During that time he renewed his lifelong affiliation in Masonry, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Tom was a member of Helena Scottish Rite Bodies, and Ottawa Lodge # 51 at Marysville.
Tom was fortunate to share a special bond with each of his grandchildren. He loved swapping fishing tips and lures with Jason. He woke Samantha (aka Buck Rake) for special breakfasts. Tom loved that Sidney (aka Gravel Gertie) shared his love of hunting, art, and woodworking. He was especially impressed with Brent’s cribbage skills. He serenaded Jamie each year on her birthday with the Marine Corps Hymn. He fondly remembered throwing the ball for Rocky, and waiting to see who would get there first – Rocky or Javier. Devina’s latest antics were a source of enjoyment, especially when she painted the cat’s toenails.
Family and friends will remember Tom for his laugh, his storytelling, and his shortcuts through Montana’s backroads.
His parents, grandparents, and brother Jim preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife and lifetime cribbage partner, Maxine, and his children, Chris and Ken Wilhelm, Scott and Suzanne Ferguson, foster daughter Beth Whitehouse, and grandchildren. His brother-in-law, Robert E. Black of Sioux Falls, SD, wife Clarice and family also survive, as do many cousins and dear friends.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Intermountain, Florence Crittenton Home or any youth related organizations.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Thomas.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 13, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
After the service
Monday July 13, 2015
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 13, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
After the service
Monday July 13, 2015
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Steve Sampson says
So sorry for your loss.
I so enjoyed Tom and the time we spent at the trap club. He was so fun to tease when dropping off Rocky at the kennel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jay Ramlo says
Maxine, Chris, Scott, Rocky, Tom was a great friend whether it was teaching hunter ed, shooting trap or just talking. He gave me many a laugh. I will miss him and his hearty laugh.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Jay Ramlo
Judy & Doug Gedrose says
Please accept our condolences. Less than two weeks ago we visited with Tom while he was traversing from the back of the Brewhouse to the door and Maxine was probably wondering what was taking him so long. Doug and Tom swapped “war” stories. Maxine, my heart aches for you-please know you are ALL in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and peace,
J & D
Gayl Crandall says
Maxine, Chris, Scott and family, I am very sorry to hear about Tom. I will always remember the wonderful summers in Montana at the Tarr’s (Aunt Virginia’s) cabin, the house on Franklin Mine Road, and at 810 9th Avenue with Tom and all of your family. I still remember Tom working away on the addition at the cabin with all his cool tools and his yummy BBQ. What an amazing craftsman and jack of all trades he was! The world is blessed to have had him on Earth for so long. The Crandall’s send our love, thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Deanna (Cain) Ziesman says
Chris
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great guy and your mom is an awesome person too.
just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce Desonia says
Maxine and family. I am sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of Tom bring you peace.
Eric Black says
We’ll miss you Uncle Tom. You were always kind, interesting, and knew how to make us laugh. Wish I could have seen you one last time.
Janet Coughlin says
Dear Maxine, Scott and Chris
I am saddened to read about the death of Tom. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the family come together to grieve and share love of this man and find peace.
Janet
John says
Dear Maxine, Chirs and Scott,
I’m sorry for your loss. I have very many fond memories of Tom, his humor and story telling. I was looking forward to seeing him on this trip and just missed him.
Thank you, Tom, for you have left behind a wonderful family and many rememberances of your laugh and love of life.
John
Lynn Hebert says
A gazillion hugs for you. I won’t be there in person Monday, but certainly will be in my thoughts. Wishing you strength and love through this difficult time, Lynn
Sandy Quickenden says
Maxine and family,
I was so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. He was a great professional colleague and a joy to work with. His sense of humor kept us all going. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alice & David Nelson says
Maxine & Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Tom’s death. We have always enjoyed hearing about your family news and adventures and feel sure you will continue enjoying and sharing your many fond memories of Tom. Sorry the Bartlett cousins were unable to connect in Seattle, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Katharine and Sam Davis says
Maxine and Family,
Learning of Tom’s passing has brought a flood of memories. Jay and I enjoyed so much our visit at your home in 2005, the last time we were together. My fishing ventures with Tom in earlier years were once in a lifetime events. What fun! Reminiscing of earlier days about our haying seasons in the Big Hole though on separate ranches … was truly special.
Katharine is always thankful for the assistance afforded the Crockett Family over the years.
May The Lord bless and keep you!
Deziah Gilliam says
Scott,
I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing he was one heck of a guy. You are all in our prayers.
Susan Hoving says
So sorry to see this, sorry for your loss. He was a great man. Loved his smile. Thoughts & prayers for all the family!