171 Ailsa Craig Main Street | Ailsa Craig, Ontario N0M 1A0 | Phone: (519) 293-3331 | Email: office@dennings.ca
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![Ralph Ferguson](/tribute-images/13513/Ultra/Ralph-Ferguson.jpg)
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Alex Brown posted a condolence
Monday, October 19, 2020
Sincerest condolences to Delores and the Ferguson family at large. Ralph, of course, was a leader of the 4H Club when I was a kid. He urged and supported club activities without end: my participation at the Toronto winter fair (? so long ago, I cannot recall the precise name of the event, except that it was an eye-opener for a farm boy like me), sprucing up old farm tractors, hoeing weeds in a club corn field… selling tickets for a tractor raffle at the Alvinston fair. As the Lambton-Middlesex Liberal rep, he took a close interest in the Brown family’s retired parents long after we offspring had left the farm on, at that time, the 10th Line East – personal attention much appreciated by both my mother and father. And Delores, you will be amused perhaps to know that, despite the stubborn refusal of our entire class to speak French at Watford High, I taught geology in French for some 33 years at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal!
Alex Brown, Montreal
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Colleen Churcott Beaumier posted a condolence
Saturday, October 3, 2020
My memories of Ralph are quite amusing. While working as a government worker I called Ralph for some assistance in the interest of fair distribution of funds for what I considered a worthwhile project. Not only did Ralph intervene, he and Delores attended at the project sight. I know that they were both amused by the appearance of the applicants, but also recognized the value of the project. I will always be grateful that he felt that” defending goats “was worthwhile. Delores is also my mother’s cousin and I appreciated the attention that she and Ralph gave me.
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Hon. David Collenette posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
My first memories Ralph was from his tireless work for the Liberal party in the 1970's when he was a stalwart at the riding level. Then we served together in the House of Commons and cabinet. Ralph was one of the most knowledgeable in Parliament about agriculture. He was likeable, hard-working and someone who was respected by his colleagues. Penny and I send our condolences to Doug and family.
Hon. David Collenette
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Sergio Marchi posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Ralph was a committed public servant. He cared deeply about representing his constituents, and was a true friend of the farming community across the country.
My prayers are with his family.
Sergio Marchi
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Margaret Beaton posted a condolence
Thursday, September 24, 2020
I was so saddened to hear about Hon. Ralph’s passing. He has held a special place in my family’s hearts as just about 28 years ago he used his contacts to get us in front of the National Adoption Desk in Ottawa to present our papers for the adoption of our son. We were so nervous, but it was obvious once we got there, that our experience would be very positive. That boy is now 28 years old (he was 2 when he arrived in Canada) and is now a dad himself. My thoughts go out to Dolores and all the family. Margaret & Family
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Eric & Jane von der Recke posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Sending our condolences to Delores and family. Ralph was a kind gentleman who always a moment to speak with you. God bless. Eric & Jane von der Recke.
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Wayne & Colleen Johnston posted a condolence
Monday, September 7, 2020
Heartfelt sympathy to the whole family. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Colleen & Wayne Johnston
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Megan McGrail posted a condolence
Friday, September 4, 2020
John (Ferg), I am very sorry to hear about your father's passing, he sounded like a great man with many accomplishments. My condolences to you, your mom, and your whole family.
Megan McGrail
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Rebecca McTaggart posted a condolence
Thursday, September 3, 2020
My father, Murray McTaggart was a friend of Mr. Ferguson. My father grew up in Alvinston, Ontario and so knew all the Fergusons. My father was a farmer and cattle buyer and shared the love of agriculture with Mr. Ferguson. He was so proud that Mr. Ferguson had been elected as a Member of Parliament and even more so when he was named Minister of Agriculture. During his tenure as an MP, my father spoke often about him as I was a public servant living and working for the Government of Canada in Ottawa.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mr. Ferguson was a true example of service to his community.
Rebecca McTaggart
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Rob Waters posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
To Dolores and Ferguson family
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Over the years Jayne and I had the
pleasure of supporting Ralph in his political career. We enjoyed working with
Ralph and Dolores in elections and with the family in his retirement.
Ralph was a proud farmer and a wonderful Minister of Agriculture for Canada;
In addition he was an excellent conversationalist .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rob and Jayne Waters
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Jim Sercombe posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
To Dolores and all the Ferguson family.
We were saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. Dad (Fred) and Ralph went back to Junior Farmer days and their friendship ran deep.
Our condolences,
John and Jim Sercombe
and Marian Kristensen (Sercombe)
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Mike and Jeannine posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Delores, Dave, Gabrielle, and Familes
Accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of Ralph. You can be proud of all that he had done in his life. Many farmers have benefited from all of his efforts. I will never forget him greeting me by my name when I was a young farmer. One of his many qualities.
Sincerely
Mike and Jeannine Van Kessel
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Dave & Norma Wilson posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
To Dolores,Doug,Dave,Susan,John and families. Our sincere condolences on the passing of Ralph. He certainly made allot of accomplishments. May all your cherished memories help at this time. Dave & Norma Wilson and family
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Nick Heisler posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
My deepest condolences to Ralph’s family.
As a young man, still wet behind the ears, I was privileged to work with the Hon. Ralph Ferguson,MP, in the Parliament of Canada. We had a lot fun in opposition to the Mulroney government 88-93. I learnt a lot, about politics, about being true to an idea, and the importance of loyalty.
Ralph was a throughly decent person, a good boss and a canny politician. He also had a great sense of humour, was a wonderful raconteur, loved a juicy piece of gossip and was very generous. He also knew how to listen, and really consider an idea. He had a photographic memory, and I learnt to never give him a figure unless I was sure it was right, as it would be stuck forever trying to correct it.
An excellent woodworker, you knew you were part of his circle when he gifted you one of his walnut side tables, on which to rest your scotch as you watched the National.
He loved his family, his heritage, his farm and his country.
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Minnie Bongers posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the family. Ralph was a big help with our immigration to Canada, and we are grateful to him for all he has done. He was always very proud of his family. Let the memories of him help you all through this difficult time.
Leo and Minnie Bongers
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Chris Manders posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Thank you so much to Mr. Ferguson for his contribution to Canada's Agriculture Industry and also for the wonderful work he did on the cancer survey and sharing the info that he garnered from it with everyone. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and had met him and Dolores a few times at the donut shop uptown with some others that I knew and so I felt nervous but I took the initiative to call and ask him about the study before it was published and available to the public. We must have talked for 2 hours on the phone that day and he made me feel very comfortable asking my questions. Sometimes public figures have a way of making you feel less than but he certainly didn't. He was very nice to talk to and I gained so much information through our chat. I have been sharing alot of the information that the study garnered with others ever since.
I also enjoyed going past the family farm many times. It was such a beautiful country setting. Pride of ownership was very evident always. He will be greatly missed and even though he hasn't been a public figure for some years now, everyone remembers him well and fondly.
My sincere condolences to Dolores and the family. And I didn't realize that she was a Garrod which may even make her a relative of sorts since my Dad's sister was married to a Garrod. It would be interesting to delve into that sometime with someone from the family but of course not right now. May your memories give you peace in the coming days and years.
RIP Mr. Ralph Ferguson
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Shelley Holbrook posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
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To Dolores, Doug, Dave, Susan, John and families, we are very sorry to hear that Ralph has passed away. Our sincere sympathy is extended to you at this difficult time. Take care. Love Jim and Shelley Holbrook and family
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Vickey and Mac McAlpine and family posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Dodo, Doug, David, Sue, John and families - So sorry to hear Ralph passed away. A man of many accomplishments!
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Wende Fansher posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Dolores, Doug & Families.
My deepest condolences on the passing of the greatest statesman, besides my grandfather Burt, to came out of Lambton County.
Dolores you will recall the many days and nights my Dad, (Fred) spent on filming along side Ralph, The Early Scot Pioneers of Lambton & West Middlesex. Dad had just retired from the farm and had moved into Chatham and this was the perfect thing to keep both my parents occupied.
The last project they both were able to complete was the huge undertaking of the Lambton County History book, something I remember hearing from both of my parents on how Ralph was able to get all families to research their ancestry. They sure had a love of history, politics and farming and it was evident in the friendship they shared.
I remember the day I drove Dad up for the induction of Ralph into the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame. He was pretty proud of a local Lambton boy making it big in the big city and nation wide with regard to the agriculture industry.
Again, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of Ralph and know that he and Dad are sharing stories and lots of history.
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Maria and Rene Van Bommel posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Dolores and Family, We wanted to express our condolences in person but that is not to be in 2020. There are few words to express the gratitude that we feel for Ralph's commitment to his community and to Canadian farmers as a whole. Ralph was always thinking of the future of food production and the welfare of the farm family.
Both Ralph and Dolores were powerful influences in my own political endeavours as MPP for Lambton Kent Middlesex. My appreciation to the entire Ferguson Family for supported my political career.
We hope that with the sadness will come the smiles and laughter that the many shared memories bring over the days to come.
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Bruce Faulds posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
As a young man living in Lambton County Ralph was a wonderful inspiration to my embracing the Liberal party. My condolences to his wife and family. Bruce Faulds
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Ginger and Bill Weber posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Dear Dave and Gabrielle. and family...we are thinking of you at this time and know hard it is to loss someone. Sorry for your loss.
Ginger and Bill xo
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Paul Augustine posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
To the Ferguson Family: I am very saddened to hear about Ralph's passing
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mahillah rafek posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Dear Doug:
I am very saddened to hear of your father’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely, Mahillah
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Beth Coleman-Blunt posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Thinking of you all at this sad time of Ralph’s death. Our thoughts and prayers to you all
Beth and Paul Blunt
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Deanna Huff posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Dave, I am very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Deepest sympathy to you, your mom and the entire family.
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Lyn and Rick Faulds posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Our family has so many wonderful memories with Ralph and Dolores and family. From farming in Brooke Township, to fishing in Restoule, to voting in the elections for Ralph, there were always stories to tell and memories to make. Our deepest condolences to Dolores and all the Ferguson family.
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Karol Clipperton posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Dolores, Doug, Susan, David, John. Our deepest condolences to you and your families. Memories of all your good times together will help you get through this difficult time. Thinking of you. Karol and Bill Clipperton
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Judy and Mike Hanki posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Dave, our condolences to you and the whole family.
Mike and Judy Hanki
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Ray & Barb Bygrove posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, August 31, 2020
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Delores and Family=. So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
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John Thuss posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Our sincere condolences to Delores and family on the passing of Ralph. Annie and I have always been great full to the Ferguson family for the opportunity given us in the poultry business.Ralph always worked tirelessly in public service. We appreciate the work that Ralph did to advance the business of agriculture. He will be missed.
Again our condolences,
John &Annie Thuss and family
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Rev Peter J Leonard posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
I had the opportunity to meet Ralph and Dolores several times in social settings in the community. In Ralph I experienced a friendly, sincere man who loved his family and his community. He had a wonderful sense of humour, and a great awareness of the events and circumstances going on around him. He worked hard at everything he put his mind to. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to his wife and family. My thoughts and prayers are with. May you be comforted and strengthened in the days and weeks ahead.
Rev. Peter J. Leonard
former Rector
Trinity Anglican Church, Watford
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Bill and Sharon Stonehouse lit a candle
Monday, August 31, 2020
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Jackie posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Dear John, Lauren, Matthew and Ferguson family
Lawrence, Kirsten, Brian and I are very sorry to learn of the loss of your father and grandfather. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Grant
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Geoff Greening posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Dave and family, my condolences on the passing of your father. My prayers are with you as you celebrate a life well lived.
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josephwwoods@msn.com posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Our sympathy and condolences to a Dear friend & family
From his friends at Kerwood.
Sue & Joe Woods
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Tim posted a condolence
Monday, August 31, 2020
Delores, and the Ferguson family, my condolences for your loss and passing of Ralph, I will always hold dear memories and appreciation for the time Ralph took to mentor me in my aspirations of Politics, winning my first nomination was in part of the hard work Ralph assured me it took to win! - he was right and it worked! Tim Fugard
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The family of Ralph Ferguson uploaded a photo
Monday, August 31, 2020
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