2022
This page has been set up as a tribute to Donald Ferguson, who was born in Perth on 15th February 1946. He is much loved and will always be remembered. We would really appreciate people sharing their thoughts, stories and photographs of Donald over the years.
Donald's funeral took place on 3rd November 2022 at Guthrie Church, followed by his burial at Cairnbrae Cemetery.
We thank all friends and family who joined us to celebrate Donald’s life. He loved and cared for you all deeply.
Thank you to our organist, for playing so beautifully during the service, to Stacey MacLeay for her evocative rendition of Margaret and Donald’s reel and to David Miles for his poignant pipe music at at the cemetery.
The professional, caring and sensitive manner provided by Kenny, our funeral director from Strathmore, while planning arrangements for today has been outstanding. We are very grateful to him for his support with Donald’s funeral and his personal attention to every detail. We are also indebted to Julie from Cairnbrae, for her patience, empathy and understanding during the planning process.
We would also like to thank all relatives, friends and neighbours for their loving and kind expressions of sympathy, cards, flowers and calls following Donald’s passing.
Donald was very fond of our minister, Mr Ramsay and found peace while attending services at Guthrie. How perfect, that he should conduct such an uplifting service of remembrance for him and we thank him enormously for his kind words of comfort.
Donald was deeply affected by children who were unable to live normal lives due to illness, including cancer. For this reason, we have chosen to raise funds in his memory for ‘Young Lives vs Cancer’ (previously known as Clic Sargent), which was very close to his heart. If anyone would like to donate, this can be done below or at the funeral. Any contribution to Young Lives vs Cancer would be greatly appreciated.
We thank everyone, who donated to “Young Lives Vs Cancer and are extremely grateful.
2023
It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed since Donald passed away and the awful circumstances leading up to that day. It has been a challenging year but one full of hope, joy and events which Donald would have loved to have taken part in. Particularly, being there when Zoe and Domhnall married in July, when Callie started school in August and when Shonagh and Gary’s little son arrived in October. How he would have loved to have cuddles with that little baby!
As a family, we met at Cairnbrae on his anniversary and shared a little tipple with him, which he would have appreciated! We spent the day remembering the good times, experiences and events which have taken place over the years and focused on the happy memories as that’s what Donald would have wanted.
We have not regretted our decision to take Donald to Cairnbrae as it has proved to be the perfect resting place for him as we watch each season pass. The snow provided the perfect blanket in Winter, the geese flying over and the deer visiting in the Autumn, the beautiful flowers in the Spring, the ability to ponder over life while sitting on Donald’s bench in the Summer, while watching the insects gather around the wild flowers.
For me and I imagine the family too, each hurdle without Donald has been hard. However, I have my health, independence and memories and will make informed decisions regarding my future based on what is best for everyone and maybe enjoy some happiness again in the future.
I plan to continue supporting Donald’s charity, Young Lives v Cancer as I know this is what he would have wanted. It is particularly relevant at this time as Grant, a friend of the family has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. He is just a toddler.
I do not normally support sponsored events but I have decided that, in the Spirit of Christmas, on this occasion it is appropriate to take part in a Santa Run in aid of the charity on 9th December in Perth. Any donations on Donald’s behalf would be great. Any funds made are sent directly from Much Loved to Young Lives v Cancer.
Thank you.
2024
It is hard to believe that my soulmate, Husband, Dad and Grandpa left us two years ago today. We still feel him around us and talk often of his presence, intellectual conversations, his little foibles, lectures and table manners! Today, we reflected again on his strength and courage and the love he had for his family.
We gathered, as a family, at Cairnbrae for a second year. The children played and sprinkled lavender and wild flower seeds, which he would have loved and we talked again about Donald as a thinking person. We know that, if he were alive today, he would be happy and excited about all his grandchildren and those to come. He is greatly missed and we are grateful for the happy memories we share from the past. They say time heals and maybe that is the case, but how I would love to turn that clock back.
We all agree that Donald would find Cairnbrae to be the perfect final resting place and I feel at peace when I visit him in such a beautiful natural environment, one which he would have loved.
Our Santa run will be extended this year and additional members of the family will take part, all contributions will be dedicated the Donald through Young Lives v Cancer.
Lovely to see the kids having fun for such a good cause.
My grandson was diagnosed with heptoblastoma at 12hours old 1st chemo 12 days part of liver and galbladder removed at 2 months, he is now 12yrs . Now our friends grandchild Grant Mackin who is 2yrs old is fighting this horrible disease and your charity has beed a great help with his parents Jim & Anna . Thank you from the bottom of my heart. X
Help grow Donald's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.