The passing of Dave Ferguson

[Loren L.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

Softspoken, knowledgable about an amazing variety of topics and the consumate gentleman.
To make sure that no one treats the "Aerospace Walk of Honor" as some sort of throw-away award, I will mention only one other holder of that membership - Chuck Yeager.
For years, I had the pleasure of seeing Jan & Dave at their regular spot in the Pomona swap meet. If it was early in the AM, it would be Jan because Dave would be out hunting for "treasures". That was how I found out about the "Aerospace Walk" honor - I had missed them on the previous trip to Pomona and asked why they had missed; that was when I learned from Jan that the previous Pomona date had occurred on the weekend of his induction - even Dave had to give up a weekend of treasure seeking for that exclusive membership.
I was able to help him dig out of Belgian records the story of his '55 that had been imported into Europe. His Thank You note was hastily scribbled on a memo pad that was headlined "From The Skunk Works", with his name as Lockheed's then Director of Flight Operations.
I am unlikely to meet a man with Dave's combination of great qualities in the future.

[Arthur M.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

From Glorie McNay
I knew it was coming but I was not prepared tor the loss of Dave. He gave me a chance , he gave me his time. he gave me his respect. I would not be a part of NCRS if it were not for Dave. He was a naional hero and my hero.

[Terry M.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

We have lost a pillar of our community, and the country has lost a hero. My condolences to Jan and the family.

One of my fondest memories is sitting at a table eating lobster at the last Mass. National. The two Daves -- Furgeson and McLellan -- were in rapt conversation about the relationship between Corvette and stealth technology. I am not so sure some of the things talked about were supposed to be in the public domain. I couldn't/won't say a word.

Life occasionally hands you moments of brilliance, enjoy them and rejoice in the people who make them possible.

[Jimmy B.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

While working for LOCKHEED in Aurora, Colorado years ago we were looking for somebody to give a speech at our National Management Association gathering that I was a member of. I called Dave and asked him if he was interested. He answered a resounding yes, I turned the details over to my management and lo and behold here was Dave at our meeting as our guest speaker. He gave a great speech and showed us many slides during his presentation. We all thoroughally enjoyed him being there.

He was also presented with a special 1940's LOCKHEED posteer framed that was out of my collection and I could tell he was thoroughally thrilled.

Mr. Ferguson; happy flying into the wild blue uonder, you will be forever missed.

Jimmy L. Blakely

[Don H.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

Dave was a gentleman & very humble. It was a honor to have known him. RIP, Don H.

[Peter M.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

R.I.P. brother Ferguson.

[Dave B.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

I missed out on having the pleasure of meeting Dave Ferguson, but I do know that anyone who flew as a Wild Weasel in the F-105's in SEA was a special fighter pilot.

As we in the business say, "Dave has flown West, with fair winds and clear skies."

The following is copied from the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots website from Dave's family concerning memorials for him. I am forwarding this on as they requested.

V/R David

Dave Barclay

A memorial service will be held for Dave Ferguson on Sunday August 21, 2011 at 10:00am at:

The Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC) 750 W. Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, California 93534

Further details and directions can be found on the LPAC website:

http://www.lpac.org/page.php?id=48

David will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in late September or early October. We will be in touch once the date about the service once the date is confirmed. Information and directions to the cemetery can be found on their website:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/

David's brother, William Ferguson, will be conducting a service at Trinity Assembly of God Church in Lanham Maryland prior to the burial. Directions to the church can be found on their website:

http://www.trinitylanham.com/

We would love to see you at any of these events. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone who might be interested.

Please let us know if you need any further information or have any questions.

Best Regards,
Jan, Teri and Bonnie Ferguson

[James G.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

I met Dave at the SO. CAL CHAPTER first formation meeting in September 1980. He always had that gentle smile and "chuckle laugh" that made you wonder and realize that here was a guy that quietly had complete control over many items in life that completely amazed me.

As time went on and I began to understand his Air Force Career and I realized how I am a better man because I knew Dave well. Dave was my hero.......an AMERICAN HERO.....

I judged with Dave many events over the last 30 years, the last of which was at the March 2010 Chapter Meet at Corvette Mike's. That was a fun day, as he and Jan drove his original 65 maroon convertible to the show and he had it parked on the side of the judged NCRS Cars. He teased me to not run my scooter into the beautiful paint of the 45 year old original car.

Many members never knew that was the original and first Corvette that Dave and Jan owned, so I teased Dave back to get the history out of the glove box. Dave never wanted to sound important, but I knew the photos would impress anyone interested. There was the original POP and photos of a young Air Force Lt. bringing home his first daughter from the hospital. Other photos standing in front of his fighter jet he flew in Vietnam.

Cars and people.......IT IS THE PEOPLE, and this guy was one if you ever met, you will never forget.

Thanks Dave for all your guidance and love. Your spirit will keep me uplifted for the balance of my life.

[Chuck B.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

God bless you Jan, we will miss you Ferg, R.I.P my brother.

[Ken R.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

Found this: lots of information on Dave and his career on the internet. He will be missed by NCRS and all his friends.

http://thetartanterror.blogspot.com/2005/11/lt-col-david-l-dave-ferguson-1938.html

http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/index.aspx?page=202

[Ed H.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

I will miss you Dave. I know you will be a guardian angel for some newby who can't wait to get airborn. Dave lived the life my grandfather told me to live. "It is not how many breathes you take in life that keeps you going, it's how many times in life you become breatheless. Dave lived that kind of life. I talked to him last week and his comment was, "Ed, I have had a hoot this goaround, I told him, the next one will be out of this world.

[Brett H.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

Dave will be sadly missed, for sure.

[Mike E.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

A fine man and a good friend. Dave; God's blessings!

[Erik S.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

As the baby of the group I wonder whether I sat next to him at the Boston 2007 awards diner - what i remember is that this guy said he owned like 2 53's, 2 54's and a 55 (or something like that) - anyhow - that was a night to remember

[Joe R.]

Re: The passing of Dave Ferguson

Dave was one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever had the privilege to know. He was ALWAYS willing to help me with my restoration, and I can't imagine the NCRS and the C1's without him.

My sincere and deepest condolences to Jan and his daughters.

Joe Ryan