William Lee Ferguson
June 13, 1948 ~ June 23, 2023
Resided in:
Springvale, Maine
William "Ferg" L. Ferguson, 75, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 23, 2023, after a short illness at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford. He was born on June 13, 1948, in Madison, Maine, to Stanley and Ethlyn (Fletcher) Ferguson. Ferg attended local schools and graduated from Madison High School before earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Maine.
During the Vietnam Conflict, Ferg served his country in the U.S. Army as an office clerk in Germany. Upon his return, he embarked on a remarkable career as an Honors English teacher at Sanford High School, where he became a beloved figure and respected colleague for 37 years. Ferg possessed a unique ability to captivate his students by incorporating his personal travels and military experiences into his teaching. His stories and anecdotes fostered a genuine interest in learning, and his students greatly benefited from his passion for education. Ferg often recounted his memorable journey to Alaska with three friends, fondly referred to as "The Trip," bringing his adventures to life in the classroom. During the summers he enjoyed lifeguarding at Wells beach.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and lived for his trips “up north” with friends. He loved nature, feeding birds, and hearing them sing. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his bountiful asparagus and garlic. He loved all music, singing, dancing and was a champion pool player. Ferg was a legend and will live on in many hearts.
He is predeceased by his parents.
Survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Laurie Ferguson of Springvale, sister-in-law Susan Jackson and her life partner Billy Beaudoin, brothers in law Steven and Carl Leach, both of Springvale, four nephews, Eric Jackson of Sanford, Todd Jackson and his wife Odette of FL, Jacob Elliot and Cory Leach of Springvale and four great nieces, Bella and Eden Jackson and Victoria and Audrina Elliott.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall, his favorite time of year, at his and Laurie's home in Springvale.
If you'd like to make a small donation to Grammy Rose Dog Rescue and Sanctuary at https://grammyrose.org/donate he would have loved that.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence click on Ferg's Remember page.
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I was in Ferg’s AP Language class in 2007-2008. He taught me to write and he encouraged me to keep going during a difficult year of my life. I think often of a phrase he gave me: “everything changes and nothing ever does.” I loved his stories and learned so much from him.
I want to send my sincere condolences to Laurie and all of Ferg’s family and friends. Bill was a great friend from the first few days of our Freshman year at college and all the way through.. One of my very best friends from those days.. I will never forget him…
Laurie I am lost for words and am so sorry for your loss. I never new a more perfect couple.
I’ll miss you, Ferg. you were an amazing English teacher, my absolute favorite, and many things you said to me during my high school years will always be remembered. Class of 1996–Rest In Paradise.
We share a million memories. Fraturnity brothers at Kappa Sig, Alaska trip, 25 Thanksgivings with the boys at Lambert Lake and much more. I will miss Fergy dearly.
I will miss Mr. Furguson (Ferg). I had him in English class from High School (Class of 79). I also remember the Lambert Lake trips that he went on almost every year. I met him up there many times. He was an incredible person. He will be missed. May you rest in peace my friend.
For those close to Ferg, I’m sorry for your loss. I regret I didn’t see him recently-always felt better when I did. Bill was a good man
U Maine. Kappa Sigma. (probably best not to go into detail on that)
Glad you were a part of my life for a minute. You are part of some of my favorite school stories and memories.
A great teacher !
I taught with Bill for many years at SHS. I have a lot of respect for him as a teacher and colleague. I know students were very grateful to have him in their lives. I taught Foods and Nutrition which required daily shopping at Hannaford’s. I was always in a hurry concentrating on my list and getting the job done as soon as possible. More than once he would see me and quietly remove my basket and put his in its place. He would stand back and watch me putting various items into the cart before i would realize it wasn’t my cart. I would look around with a embarrassed look on my face and look around to see who’s basket I had taken. There he would stand laughing. A great guy Sanford High School was lucky to have him.
Rest in peace Ferg!
I’ll never forget class with Ferg, the morning of June 4, 1985. Thanks for the understanding as I stared out the window in shock. Thanks for the compassion. Thanks for the eye contact of support Ferg! I/We know you were grieving too by the sudden sad news of that morning. But you held it together. Conducted class and forgave those of us having a hard time paying attention, by not calling on us or calling us out. One of the best teachers I’ve ever had back in high school, learning was fun and he garnered respect from us all. Class act human being! . Heartfelt comfort and sympathies out to your family and friends. Rest easy Ferg….God speed….
Ferg was very special to so many people. He was one of the kindest teachers that Sanford High had to offer. He made me smile on so many occasions. He’ll be truly missed. Our hearts go out to you Laurie.❤️
Love, David and Lisa Gagne
Ferg saved my life when I was in a dark place in high school. He truly cared about his students. His wisdom and kindness helped me get through my senior year, and has had a lasting impact on me.
I had wanted so much to tell him this all in person, and to thank him, but I wasn’t sure how to get in touch. It saddens me that I will never have the chance. He really was an extraordinary human, and he will be deeply missed, I’m sure, by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
I express my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Fergie, was my English teacher in high school. Gotta say, one of my favorite teachers. My condolen-ces to his wife Laurie, 42 years – God Bless; may he rest in peace ♡♡♡
I was an accomplished slacker in high school and Ferg made it his mission to engage me and get me to live up to my potential. One of the most memorable teachers I’ve ever had, we still tell stories about him 25+ years later.
…. A few good men in my world… But Ferguson was at the top of the list!
…. Although I didn’t get to see Ferg that often… I definitely got to chime in on HunJum phone calls…. Got to say good night to him … tell him I love him… And assure him that I’ll take care of his girl!❤️
…. From an outsider, I saw the most caring, loving and respectful husband that any woman could ever wish for… And Laurie always considered herself the luckiest woman in the world!