This memorial website was created in the memory of
Carl (Pops) Frederick Ferguson, born
in North Kingston, Rhode Island
on the 25th September 1950
and passed away on the 13th June 2011, 60 years of age.
Survived By: wife, children, sister, and 6 grandchildren
Memorial Tribute Video
Carl... Dad... Pops!
CARL FREDERICK FERGUSON - Sept. 25, 1950-June 13, 2011
Carl Frederick Ferguson, loving father, husband, and brother, known for his heart of gold, willingness to help others, compassionate, giving and a fighting spirit, died of complications relating to a liver transplant and exposure to Agent Orange in Viet Nam, on June 13, 2011.
Carl suffered numerous setbacks but never gave up the fight. Doctors at UCSD Medical Center were amazed at his resiliency.
Carl was born in North Kingston, Rhode Island on September 25, 1950 to Carl William and Doris Flora Ferguson. The family moved to San Diego during his childhood. Carl was a Vietnam Veteran of the 11th Armored Cavalry (Army). He served 1969-70, was wounded in action and received an honorable discharge.
He worked as a tile setter in the late 1970's before starting his own tile business in the early 1980's. Carl eventually branched into other areas of construction, ultimately becoming a project manager for large construction companies.
Carl's specialty became church construction. He personally oversaw the rebuilding of St. John's Episcopal Church after it was destroyed in a 1994 arson fire. Following the fire, Carl built a temporary church in 40 days where services were held until the permanent church was completed. Carl built the church to honor the memory of his Father-in-law, the Reverend Gerald Holmes Graves, who served as priest of St. John's from 1970-87.
Other notable projects include Trabuco Presbyterian Church, Poway Baptist Church, The Stingaree (Downtown San Diego), and The Witherby (Downtown San Diego.
Carl's greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 28-years, Jane Ferguson; Four children: Michael,
Jennifer, Alissa, Larry; Six grandchildren: Isaiah, Anna, Emily, Robby, Diego, Ava; and sister Bonnie Turner.
The family would like to thank the UCSD medical staff, especially the liver, kidney and heart teams for their valiant efforts.
Carl was interred at St. John's Episcopal Church in Chula Vista during a memorial service on Monday, June 20, 2011.
The Reverend George Keith officiated at the service which included honors and a flag ceremony by a military honor guard in recognition of Carl's service in the United States Army in Viet Nam. Donations to St. John's Church, 760 First Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910, in Carl's honor would be appreciated.
We know you must have been there this past week to welcome our dear John into Heaven, along with so many others. The flowers we gave for John's service have been placed by Marguerite in front of your spot at St. John's. John and Marguerite both did so much for you , especially during your illness, and you and John have always been kindred spirits.
John's service was beautiful, like yours, and once again we are reminded of what really matters in life. Love never dies.
21 Mar 2013 – Bonnie
So proud that you are my brother. You are forever in my heart.
Merry Christmas to the best Dad ever! We all love and miss you so much. I know you were close by yesterday. XOXOXO
25 Dec 2012 – Sis
Merry Christmas Bud. We all miss you so much. Your smile is forever in memory. XOXO
13 Dec 2012 – Bonnie
Missing you especially today. Our lives have a huge hole that nothing else can fill. Somedays are not so bad and then it hits me that you are not just a phone call away. Merry Christmas my brother. I love you
14 Oct 2012 – Bonnie
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"
13 Oct 2012 – Bonnie
Well, another 13th of the month is here and I still can't believe you are gone. I feel you with me everyday and see your smile. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you you for the love of your wonderful family! They mean so much to me. There are so many things I want to thank you for. I love you with all my heart.
Didn't forget your birthday!! Just didn't have access to a computer. Thought of you so much on my vacation, and did some reminiscing with relatives in Oklahoma. They all remember you fondly and were so sorry to hear about how ill you had been after the transplant. So grateful you no longer suffer- you will always be with me wherever I go.
Visitor Flowers
184 flowers{show all}{leave my own flower} The following flowers have been placed by visitors to the online memorial of Carl Ferguson.
We invite you to leave your own flower at this memorial by entering clicking "leave my own flower" above.
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: I love you forever!! XOXO
13 May 2013
Bonnie placed this flower
& wrote: In one month it will be 2 years since your body could not take anymore. I miss you everyday . XO
9 May 2013
Diego placed this flower
& wrote: I love you so much, Pops!
21 Apr 2013
isaiah placed this flower
& wrote: miss you so much pops... i love you
31 Mar 2013
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: Happy Easter, Dad. Love you!!
21 Mar 2013
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: Always and Forever <3
11 Mar 2013
Sis placed this flower
& wrote: Your strength inspires me everyday... Miss you so much
8 Mar 2013
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: Love you forever! XO
16 Feb 2013
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: Always on my mind! Love you forever!! XOXO
14 Feb 2013
Jane placed this flower
& wrote: Always my Valentine
13 Feb 2013
Michael placed this flower
& wrote: Miss you Pal.
6 Feb 2013
Bon placed this flower
& wrote: I miss you everyday, but knowing you are well makes me feel better. I love you
6 Feb 2013
Jane placed this flower
& wrote: Just thinking about you...
25 Jan 2013
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: I Love You!!!!
15 Jan 2013
Bon placed this flower
& wrote: Thinking of you as always. I miss you so much.
6 Jan 2013
Jane placed this flower
& wrote: Epiphany Sunday today in the beautiful church you built. Always thinking of you.
25 Dec 2012
Bon placed this flower
& wrote: Merry Christmas
23 Dec 2012
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: I Love You!
13 Dec 2012
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: We think of you daily and miss you always. Love you so much. XOXO
13 Dec 2012
Bonnie placed this flower
& wrote: Miss you....
13 Dec 2012
Michael placed this flower
& wrote: 18 months. Think of you daily... xx
13 Nov 2012
Alissa placed this flower
& wrote: Another 13th of the month. We miss you everyday. LOVE YOU!!!
13 Nov 2012
Michael placed this flower
& wrote: Missing you as always...
13 Nov 2012
Bonnie placed this flower
& wrote: I will love you forever and always. Love, Sis
Visitor Candles
The following candles have been lit by visitors to the online memorial of
Carl Ferguson. We invite you to light your own candle at this
memorial by entering your name below and clicking "Light Candle".
13 Jun 2012 -
Jane
wrote in journal:
Today marks the first significant milestone in the journey we have been on during this last year without our dear husband, father, and brother.
Although it hasn't been easy, it has been one of peace, because in our sadness, we take comfort in knowing that Carl could depend on his family for anything during his period of illness, and his days preceding death.
Looking back, we may have some regrets that things couldn't have happened differently, but we will never have to carry the guilt that ...
» read more ...
22 Aug 2011 -
Jane
wrote in journal:
As you go on living your life and thinking that you are doing all right, one night you wake in the middle of sleep and reality hits you. Carl is gone from our presence. No more are we able to enjoy his laugh, his terms of endearment, his gentle and loving ways.
Those last months, weeks, and final days replay themselves in your mind as you think of the suffering he endured, not only physically, but mentally. What thoughts must have been going through his head as he laid in a hospital bed da...
» read more ...
25 Jun 2011 -
Jane
wrote in journal:
I hope this will be a place where those of us who loved and knew Carl well can come together and share our memories, thoughts, and feelings. We all have a common bond, in that we were part of Carl's life in one way or another, whether it was as a family member, friend, client, medical professional, or casual acquaintance. I think we can all agree that Carl was definitely not what anyone would ever call "ordinary" when it came to his character. He had such a good heart and a "never give up" at...
» read more ...
13 Jun 2012 – Carolyn Vega sent this sympathy ecard and wrote:
Jane and family ,
Thinking of you today. Missing Carl's wonderful smile and kindness
6 Jul 2011 – Shaun & Bre sent this sympathy ecard and wrote:
Jane & Family,
What a beautiful way to remember Carl. Although we didn't know him very well, after attending his memorial service, learning of his kindness and seeing how he was held in such high regard we realized all of you share the same great qualities...Carl will continue to influence others and live on through his family. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask we're here for you.
Love,
Bre, Shaun & Aiden
26 Jun 2011 – David and Donna Wemple sent this sympathy ecard and wrote:
We are so sorry for your loss. Carl was a wonderful man and I know he will be sadly missed.
Recent Journal Entries
13 Jun 2012 -
Jane
wrote in journal:
Today marks the first significant milestone in the journey we have been on during this last year without our dear husband, father, and brother.
Although it hasn't been easy, it has been one of peace, because in our sadness, we take comfort in know...
» read more ...
22 Aug 2011 -
Jane
wrote in journal:
As you go on living your life and thinking that you are doing all right, one night you wake in the middle of sleep and reality hits you. Carl is gone from our presence. No more are we able to enjoy his laugh, his terms of endearment, his gentle and...
» read more ...
25 Jun 2011 -
Jane
wrote in journal:
I hope this will be a place where those of us who loved and knew Carl well can come together and share our memories, thoughts, and feelings. We all have a common bond, in that we were part of Carl's life in one way or another, whether it was as a fa...
» read more ...
