Ralph E. Ferguson

Ralph E. Ferguson, 94, passed away peacefully August 15, 2024, at Cary Medical Center following a period of declining health. He was born in Caribou, May 13, 1930, the son of the late Shelburne and Ina (McKeen) Ferguson. 

He attended Caribou schools and in lieu of completing his education, he selflessly worked side by side with his parents to maintain the working family farm. He was often seen delivering their farm products to regular customers in town. 

He married the love of his life, Gwen Stoddard on November 17, 1949, and together they raised 4 children. 

For most of his working years, Ralph was a skilled carpenter who took great pride in his work. He never wanted to completely retire from the work he loved, working well into his late eighties. Unfortunately, health issues caused him to finally sit back and relax. In his earlier years, he was a member of the Caribou Police Department Reserves, manager of the Polaris Drive-in Theater, and worked part time at Mockler Funeral Home and Ambulance Service. 

He was a 50 plus year member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, where he served as the head usher for many years. He was a member of Caribou Lodge #170 A.F. & A.M. 

Dad was our rock. He was always there to offer unconditional love, support and kindness to his beloved family who will forever be thankful for the time we shared. He left a legacy of hard work and fortitude. 

As an avid sports fan, he was proudly seen at his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s many sporting events. He enjoyed watching the UConn women’s basketball team and loved his Boston Red Sox especially when they were winning.

Dad was resilient to the end but was ready to be with his wife and his family in Heaven. 

He is survived by his children, Connie (Tom) Collins of South Grafton, MA, David (Rachel) Ferguson of Bangor, ME, Carol Soucie-Drew of Brunswick, ME, and Kimberly (Glenn) Taggett of Caribou, ME. His grandchildren,Tim (Jill) Collins, Michael (Sherri) Ferguson, Amy (Nick) Chacharone, Scott (Juna) Ferguson, Ryan (Lonnie) Soucie, and Ashley (Dave) Tucci. Great grandchildren Dimitri, Thomas and Katherine Chacharone, Madison and Brady Collins, Lucia Tucci, Raelynn Ferguson, Riley and Kyler Soucie, and Caden Ferguson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including his special nieces, Sandra Ferguson, Drenna Veilleux, Colleen Macklin, and Karla Curry. Ralph was predeceased by his wife of over 73 years, Gwen, a brother, Basil Ferguson, a sister, Guelda Michaud, and two sons-in-law Paul Soucie and Keith Drew. 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Sherri Dumont, Dr. Irene Djuanda, Dr. Jeffrey Hoeksma, and Dr. Amina Qazi, the ACU nursing staff and the entire staff of Cary Medical Center including ancillary services of dietary and housekeeping for their exceptional, professional, and compassionate care. A special thank you to Tammy Morris, Anne Marie Davenport and Louise Brescia who went above and beyond. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Richard Rego for his many visits, spiritual words and guidance during Dad’s illness. They are all truly the angels among us. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11AM the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Services will be rescheduled at a date and time to be announced.