FERGUSON - Donald “Don” passed away on October 13, 2016 at the Pleasant Bay Nursing Facility in Brewster at the age of 102.

Born in Woonsocket, RI, he was the son of a Baptist Minister and his wife, Royal W. and Jesse Slipp Ferguson. Don moved to several cities where his father preached, settling in New London, CT. Don grew up during the lean war years, in a world no less filled with strife and confusion than today. Yet, he carried through life an inherent wisdom, an uncommon sense of responsibility and independence, and a civility now rare.


Don graduated from Suffield Academy in CT and Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in engineering. He tried to enlist to help preserve democracy, but he was turned away for poor eyesight. He did his part by working at the Electric Boat Yard in Groton, CT, building submarines.

In 1940, Don married his life’s partner, Mary Davis, one of the youngest of the Davis clan from Harwich. Don took a job with a new startup company called IBM, spending his 40-year career in engineering and sales. This job took him to many cities along the East Coast, and even to an assignment in France, where he and his family spent many years.

Upon retirement to Harwich Port, Don loved to sail his boat out of Saquatucket Harbor and play his beloved game of golf at Cranberry Valley Golf Club. Don was introduced to the Orleans Men’s Coffee Club by a Harwich acquaintance, and he remained an active member for close to 40 years. He also took on a dream to build his own home, which was completed in Brewster in 1985. While in Brewster, his passion for golf and ability for engineering led him to an appointment on the newly formed Brewster Golf Commission, and he assisted with the creation of The Captains Golf Course.

When the Brewster home became too much to keep up with, Don and Mary moved to King’s Way community in Yarmouth Port. Of course, Don played golf every day he could, not hanging up his clubs until he was 98 years old. He also honored his father by returning to church and becoming a member of the Brewster Baptist Church.

Don lived an exemplary life, and for those who knew him, they will attest that his feeling of honesty, decency and good sense must not die with him. As his passing saddens his extended family, they will live on with the clear and poignant memory of Don’s life well lived.

Don is survived by his three children, Steven Whitney Ferguson of San Rafael, CA, William Royal Ferguson of Yarmouth Port, and Lindsay Ferguson Sanders of Brewster. He also leaves five grandchildren, Scott Ferguson of Oceanside, CA, Kim Ferguson of El Granada, CA, Jessica Banis of Bourne, Ryan Cullinan of South Orleans and Hayley Sanders of Brewster; and six great grandchildren. Don was predeceased by his wife, Mary, as well as his son, Donald Davis Ferguson.

There will be a graveside service held at 11 a.m. Friday November 4, 2016 in Ancient Cemetery, Ancient Way, Yarmouth Port, for family and immediate friends.

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