Days before his death Ralph Ferguson was still writing letters to the editor and to the mayor of his town. Until the end, he wanted to offer advice to leave this community a better place, say friends who knew him.
Ferguson passed away on Jan. 30, but the impact of the life he lived will be lasting, they say.
Ferguson wore many hats throughout his life including serving for many years on Pictou town council as well as on various boards in the community.
As a child, Ferguson suffered from polio and as a result was in a wheelchair for the majority of his life. He used that experience with a disability as a way to help others.
He served as Chair of NS League for Equal Opportunities, Director and Vice Chair of Central Highlands Association of the Disabled, Chair and Executive Director of Let Abilities Work Partnership Society (LAWPS), Commissioner on the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, and Chair of the Disabled Persons Commission.
Dan Currie was mayor when Ferguson was on council.
“He was just simply an excellent councillor,” Currie said. “He was very devoted. He was very knowledgeable. When he took on a project he was a determined guy.”
While he fought for more accessibility for all, Ferguson did not want to be treated differently because he was in a wheelchair.
“He never asked for any special attention due to his disabilities. He never expected any. He kind of resented it if you made exceptions for him.”
Even after his time on council, Ferguson was frequently writing letters to council offering advice on things that could be improved.
Danny MacGillivray, executive director of CHAD Transit, knew Ferguson as a past board member for the association.
“Ralph was definitely a community man who focused his work and effort on people who needed assistance accessing their community.”
As a board member he was someone who could be counted on to give a thoughtful take and was always respectful of staff.
“I think he’s leaving a legacy of inclusivity,” MacGillivray said pointing out that Pictou County is more accessible in a large part due to Ferguson, who blazed the trail for decades.
As Rev. Mary Beth Moriarty prepared her statements Friday for Ferguson’s funeral, which was scheduled for Saturday, she thought of ways he had made their own church more accessible for those with disabilities. But he did much more than that.
“He was a man of deep faith and believed in living out that faith in the community,” she said.
And for him that didn’t just mean here in Pictou County, but wherever he could in the world.
“He was also a very affirming person personally. He was one of those people who, as a clergy person, you very much appreciate.”
He had a curious mind and liked to challenge others to think outside the box.
“He liked to stir the pot. Sometimes that was done intentionally…. Sometimes it was just his way of looking at things.”
Always it made them see things from a different perspective.
She’ll miss those conversations with him but is thankful for the impact he had.
“We’re blessed with a lasting legacy,” she said.
