Obituary of Donald J. "Donnie" Ferguson, Glace Bay

We regret to announce the sudden passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, Donald J. “Donnie” Ferguson, 86, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. He was the son of the late David and Cecelia Ferguson and was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Mary “Mockie” LeClair. Donnie was well known for being a caring and helpful pharmacist for over 60 years and treated his customers like family; first as owner of Carroll’s Drug Store and up to this week at Ferguson’s Pharmacy for the past 22 years. He was so proud of and loved working with his girls, Melissa, Kerrie, Melissa, Taylor and Karen. He spent many years actively involved in the community. From the Knights of Columbus, Board of Trade, United Ostomy Association, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Board and St. Anne’s Church just to name a few. He was very proud in his 86th year to help negotiate and fundraise for the new steel roof on St. Anne’s Church. Donnie was happiest at his cottage on the Northside of East Bay, often answering the phone, “Tweednoodge”. He loved to entertain his children, friends and relatives. He taught many to swim, dive, water-ski, row and paddle. If he wasn’t on his Ford tractor, or wave runner, he was on the veranda watching everyone or on the sofa watching the flames dance in the fireplace. He was an accomplished chef especially on the Charcoal BarBQ which he only recently relinquished to his son in-law Bruce. He loved holidays especially Christmas, and the family that it brought together. He prided himself on preparing the turkey dinner to feed 12 or more! He looked forward to weekly lunches, suppers and many visits from his children. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Nancy (Bill) Booth, Patti Ann (Bruce) Carabin; sons, David (Janice) and Donald (Gail); his grand children, Mark (Lauren) Carabin, Ian (Val) Booth, Colin Carabin, Andrea (Devin) Booth, Patrice (Matt) Aboud, Cole Ferguson, Connor (Victoria) Ferguson, Alex Ferguson, Maggi (Dylan) Ferguson, three great-grand children, Jensen and Parker Aboud and Finn Carabin. Also surviving are his brothers Arthur (Marg) and Aubrey as well as sister in-law Carol (Wayne) Morris. Donnie truly loved Cape Breton and especially Northside East Bay. He said people travelled thousands of miles and spent thousands of dollars to come to a place as beautiful as Cape Breton. He will be greatly missed! Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 21st, 2020 from 3PM- 5PM & 7PM - 9PM in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 22nd at 11 AM in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Duaine Devereaux officiating. Interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations in memory of Donnie may be made to the Glace Bay Food Bank, St. Anne’s Church (Roof Fund) or a charity of one’s choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca DUE TO SEATING RESTRICTIONS, WE ASK THAT EVERYONE REMAIN IN THEIR CARS IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT UNTIL THE FAMILY ARRIVE AND ARE SEATED. MASKS ARE ALSO MANDATORY. THANK YOU.