Norman Kenneth Ferguson Jr.

AUBURN – Norman Kenneth Ferguson Jr. of Hanover, died peacefully at Hospice House with his loving family at his side. He was devoted to his family and a faithful public servant having held elected office as Oxford County Commissioner and Maine State Senator.

He was born in Boston, Mass., the son of Norman and Hazel (Merrill) Ferguson and grew up in Bethel, where he attended Gould Academy. He excelled in athletics playing football, running track and competing in both Alpine and Nordic skiing, capturing several individual state championships in Nordic skiing and middle-distance running. After graduating from Gould in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country. He was stationed in Austria, where he trained troops in skiing and also represented the Army in Alpine ski racing competing against Austrian and other European skiers. He won numerous competitions and collected cups and medals from races at St. Johann and other ski areas in slalom, giant slalom and downhill.

After returning home in 1955, he dated a Gould acquaintance, Barbara Cole. They soon fell in love and were married in the Congregational Church in Bethel on Jan. 29, 1956. He attended Burdett College in Boston, where they lived shortly before he graduated in 1957. He began work in accounting for the Oxford Paper Co. in Rumford. The couple made their home in Hanover, where they raised a lively family of four sons. He remained at the paper mill having received certification as a purchasing agent and retired in the late 1980s. He was a devoted family man, participating in Boy Scouts, seemingly endless sports events, musical concerts, camping and hiking trips and numerous other activities with his sons. He relished Hanover as a great place to raise a family. The local population boasted a large percentage of children that naturally led him to volunteer in youth group and scouting activities at the Rumford Point Congregational Church, where he held numerous offices over decades. It is noted for posterity, he never participated in choir – vocal harmony was a strong suit, though it never prevented him from indulging private audiences of family and friends!

He had a profound patriotic pride in his country as well as his state, county and community. He served several years on the school board and was elected as Oxford County Commissioner having served that post for a total of 26 years. He later served in the Maine State Senate, thus, his red, white and blue campaign signs became a common land mark in autumn election cycles. He served eight consecutive years as state senator completing election term limits. Another role he enjoyed and took great pride in was moderator at town meetings in Hanover. He prided himself as a responsive elected official answering phone calls, responding to all correspondence and expending great energy in serving constituents. Above all, he cared deeply for young people and their pursuit of education and often sent notes to those children who worked diligently and were recognized for honor-roll or other scholastic achievement. He passionately believed the key for a thriving democratic republic is the nurturance and education of society’s youth.

Throughout his political involvement, he was active serving the Republican Party at local and state levels. He served as the GOP treasurer for Oxford County and was a successful fundraiser. He was active in the campaigns of gubernatorial, congressional and U.S. Senate races having been Oxford County campaign chairman for former Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen (then running for U.S. senate), Sen. Olympia Snowe and Sen. Susan Collins. He has remained part of their teams and numerous other candidates running for local, state, or federal office.

Among other activities and organizations, he served on the board of directors at Oxford Federal Credit Union, the board of AARP and the board for Western Maine Transportation Services. He spent many hours on the slopes of Black Mountain and assisted with officiating numerous Nordic ski racing events. He was also active in St. Andrews Society activities and enjoyed attending highland games. He and his wife Barbara helped with devotion to make the dream of Hospice House a reality.

His boyhood was everlastingly influenced by his Scottish heritage and his undying love for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. He passed this love on and shared it with his wife, four sons, their wives and 11 grandchildren. Over the years many dear friends and relatives in Cape Breton have made their way to the pasture and beach where Clan Ferguson camps simply to be by the ocean, enjoy the inspiring beauty of the land, birds and wildlife — much in the tradition of generations before.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; his four sons and their wives, Scott and Dawn, Douglas and Brenda, Dan and Janet and Robert and Cecile; 11 grandchildren, Eric, Ian, Sam, Molly, Marianne, Catherine, Lucas, Angus, Sadie, Jonathan and Seth (all Fergusons); a sister, Elizabeth Mottla and her husband, Paul; a brother-in-law, Bill Kohut; and nieces and nephews. He had a great energy and zest for life with a healthy curiosity for history and politics, but above all, his spirit was centered at home, where he was adored by family and faithful dogs, Springfield and Abraham. He will be sadly missed.

The family sends their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who prayed and cared for us. Most especially the Fergusons wish to express their deepest gratitude to the remarkable people at Hospice House and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. Their compassion and kindness embraces all who walk through the door, and we feel blessed to have had our dear one in such capable hands. We are especially grateful for Dr. Austin, who kept us informed, assured, and at peace each and every day. Our community is better for having all the dedicated professionals and volunteers of this fine organization.