Ferguson, Norm- died peacefully at the Southlake Health Centre on March 3rd, 2018, surrounded by family. He was 79 years old.
Norm will be dearly missed by his wife Janis Reid, his sister Penny Ferguson, his daughter Cheryl Ferguson (Barry Delong) and his son David Ferguson (Lisa Storoz).
Norm was grateful for the love of Fiona and Rick Addy, Sheena and Craig Doyle, Ian Reid, and Jill and Terry Collins-Williams. He was a proud grandfather to Sydney, Mitchell, Anna, Grace, Hayley, Nicole, Emma and Ryan.
Ryerson University played a major role in Norm’s life. It is where, as a student, he met his first wife, Brenda, where he taught for 30 years as a Professor of Metallurgical Engineering, where he proudly presented his son David with his own business degree, and where he coached his daughter Cheryl as she taught post-grad. It was also where he met Janis and her father - both fellow instructors.
Norm combined his love of sports and giving back. He umpired in the Oakville Kinsmen minor softball league, and served as a president, convener and frequent referee for Oakville minor football. In later years he proudly helped to teach people with visual impairment to sail and to ski.
When Norm was diagnosed with late stage cancer in 2012, he said, “I don’t even have a bucket list – I’ve done everything!” He had lectured in his specialized field of laser welding in distant countries. Norm and Janis had visited almost every continent on a cruise ship, and enjoyed life in Ballantrae. He golfed with buddies at The Briars. He skied and sailed. He treasured friendships old and new.
We will celebrate Norm’s life on Sunday, March 25th at the Islington Golf Club, 45 Riverbank Dr, Etobicoke from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. To carry on Norm’s work of empowering Canadians with vision loss, we suggest donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB.ca).
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