George Alexander Ferguson, a proud Texan with Canadian roots and amateur radio operator K5HVM, was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on October 20, 1922, and died in San Antonio, TX, on November 9, 2012 at the age of 90. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Joyce (Mikeska) Ferguson; his son Dean and wife Valerie and grandsons Sawyers and Nathan; his stepdaughters Linda Smith (and husband Don) and Teri Montross (and husband Arthur); and numerous nephews and nieces in Canada.
George was predeceased by his parents Cecil George Ferguson and Ethel Theodora (Dyer) Ferguson; his sister Ella and husband Don Valentine; sister Marjorie and husband Norman Beith; and brothers Frank and John. He also was preceded in death by his first wife Velma Margaret (Campbell) Ferguson and their son Paul.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the chapel at Mission Burial Park Dominion North, 20900 I.H. 10 West with interment to follow.
Although born in Nova Scotia, George and his siblings grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He was fascinated with radio and electronics from an early age. During World War II he was in the Canadian Army’s signal corps, including several months stationed in England in the latter stages of the war in Europe. After the war George worked as an electrician for Bell Canada, the telephone company in Hamilton.
In 1951, George and his first wife Velma sold all their possessions and along with baby son Dean moved, with no job prospects, to San Antonio, a place they had never visited. Along the way, during a transfer at Love Field in Dallas, they met an official from Southwest Research Institute who enjoyed hearing their story and invited George to visit him to discuss working at the Institute. The next week George began his new job at the Institute, where he was a member of many exciting research teams (including extensive research work in Greenland and Japan) during his career. George retired from the Institute in 1990.
George became a naturalized American citizen in 1956, was a member of several amateur radio organizations in the San Antonio area, and as a retiree was a volunteer for Shavano Park city units, including the fire department.
George’s family would like to acknowledge his good friend from childhood in Hamilton, Victor Forde, a fellow amateur radio operator. Victor’s friendship, particularly over the last 20 years, was an important part of George’s life. George’s family also would like to thank Daniela and Samuel Butuza, and Amedisys Hospice Services, for the loving care they provided to George.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org/), or to a charity of one’s choice. You may sign the on-line guest book at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.
Published in Express-News on November 11, 2012
