Thomas Lee Ferguson

It is with great sadness that our father, Thomas (Tom) Lee Ferguson quietly passed away, January 4th, 2026.

Tom was born in Seattle on November 24th, 1931 to Beatrice Kancianich & Frank Ferguson. He attended Queen Anne High School in Seattle. Shortly after graduation, he married his sweetheart, Helene Marget Monson in 1951. After 54 years of marriage, she passed away on May 23, 2005. Tom and Helene's first born child, Kirby Lee Ferguson, passed away 3 months after his birth on April 20, 1953 due to health issues. His brother, Frank R. Ferguson predeceased him in February of 2020.

He is survived by his children, Cheri Herzog (Chris), Casey Ferguson and Kelly Ferguson (Rhondi). He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother in law, Steve Monson (Nancy) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was in the United States Air Force from 1951 - 1955 as well as in the Air Force Reserve. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. While in the Air Force, he continued playing basketball in a military league which was scouted by Portland State University of which provided him with a full athletic scholarship. As a freshman at the age of 24, he often mentioned he was the "oldest rookie" on the team while competing with younger 18 and 19 year old. He was a star player and played on the team the entire time of his education. Besides basketball, Tom also played baseball for Portland State.

Tom graduated from Portland State in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his studies in the health fields at the University of Portland, Seattle Pacific University and Central Washington University. After obtaining his teaching certificate at the high school level, Tom taught Health & Physical Education both in Ukiah, Oregon, and Battle Ground High School in Washington state. After retiring from years of teaching and coaching, he worked in the private sector.

Tom, along with Helene were very active in the local Jaycees civic organization back in the 1960’s. Tom produced and directed the Miss Washington Pageant while held in Vancouver, Washington, as well as involved in so many other community service projects over the years.

Tom and Helene were also members of the Clark County Newcomers Club. They met several members of which they all became good friends for years and met monthly at each other's homes playing the card game, "Bridge."

While Tom enjoyed watching and playing sports, he also participated on many softball teams over the years. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. Tom took many fishing expeditions around the country and into Canada. He taught his family how to fish and even his love for fly fishing. He was a Master Gardener and enjoyed gardening and making wine from the various berries he grew. He especially enjoyed playing his ukulele of which was given to him by an Air Force buddy and kept it for over 70 years!

Tom enjoyed the last few months living at his Adult Family Home, Flowers Place, and we are so appreciative of the love and care he received.

We will miss our dad, grandpa, uncle and brother in law, and we rest easy knowing his journey on earth has now taken him onto his journey to heaven. Our family expresses appreciation for all the prayers and support given to Tom and his family throughout the past several months.

"Go rest high on that mountain dad, your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son."

We thank Layne's Funeral Home & Washelli Funeral Home for helping with arrangements. Tom will have an honorable military send off and then be laid to rest alongside Helene and Kirby at Washelli Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington.

Funeral date is to be determined towards the end of the month.