Terry Allen Ferguson

Terry Ferguson was born on June 29, 1948, to Jim and Phyllis Ferguson at Cowlitz General Hospital in Longview, Washington. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 7, at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Terry was born and raised in Longview. He began working for his father at the Jim Ferguson Construction company at the age of 12. He joined the labor union at the age of 16. He was very dedicated to his work as a heavy equipment operator, and some might say that work was even his hobby.

He worked tirelessly laying underground utilities throughout Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. He returned to Warrenton, where he worked for a couple of local companies before starting his own business. He ended his long career working many years as project manager for Sandridge Construction in Warrenton.

He graduated from Mark Morris High School in Longview in 1967. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany for two years during the Vietnam War. Because he had taken a typing class in high school, he raised his hand when asked if anyone could type, and he was selected to be a secretary for the general.  He was able to explore much of Germany while running errands for the general, and enjoyed his time in the service.

He met his wife, Janet (Jan), in 1980, and they were married in 1986. They built their life in Warrenton and enjoyed hobbies like traveling, caring for rescue horses and showing their Old English Sheepdogs in dog shows.

Terry had a love for classic cars that began as a teenager when he bought his 1968 GTO. Throughout his life, he owned a couple of cars that he desired to refurbish, but never found the time to complete.

He enjoyed time with his family, where he was always laughing and joking. Under his “tough guy” persona was a very big, loving heart that was always willing to help others.

Terry was not shy about sharing his thoughts, and he certainly never sugarcoated them. He had two terms in office as a Warrenton city commissioner, where he began to learn that he had to be a bit less direct. He earned the nickname “Tactful Terry” from his boss.

Terry was a creature of habit. Every weekday morning he could be found at his “reserved” table at the Warrenton Mini Mart enjoying coffee and conversation with his friends. Weekends he had a routine of having his favorite breakfast of cinnamon swirl French toast at the Buoy 9, and dinners of prime rib at Trina and Ron’s, the S3 meal at Golden Luck Restaurant & Lounge, or a chef salad and beef stroganoff at the South Jetty Inn. There were few local places he could enter and not be greeted by several people who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jon and Jeff Ferguson; his parents, Jim and Phyllis Ferguson; and his wife, Janet (Jan) Ferguson.

He is survived by his brothers, Keith (Bonnie) Ferguson, of Longview, Mark (Lori) Ferguson, of Las Vegas, and Joe (Maureen) Ferguson, of Ridgefield, Washington; a daughter and granddaughter, Nicole and Harley Ferguson, of Longview; a son, Jon (Laura) Brown, of Astoria; and seven nieces and nephews.

The family is so very thankful for the gentle and loving care he received at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. His medical team were all amazing and top-notch.

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the VA; visit bit.ly/VAvolunteerdonate to see how you can help.

A celebration of life luncheon will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Warrenton Community Center, 170 S.W. Third St. in Warrenton. This will be an informal luncheon to gather and share memories. No formal service will be held.