Peter David “Vern” Ferguson, 58, of Stroud, Innisfil, ON, passed away on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023.
Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to the late Jean Smylie and David Ferguson.
The Ferguson family soon moved to Kelowna, BC where his early years were spent. Within a few years, moving to Bathurst NB from 1973 to 1986. Peter spent most of his schools years at Chalmers and Bathurst High School.
Peter worked at Gowan Brae golf course, Macdonalds, The Big D and The Bathurst Aquatic Center during his teenage years. Most notably, Bathurst’s English disc jockey for many sock hops, high school dances, and parties. These times would shape Peter's life.
Peter was a member of First United Church in Bathurst, and a long-time member of the Boy Scout movement and Sunday School. Peter was also blessed with natural athletic talents. Golf, hockey, swimming, and curling growing up kept Peter busy.
His first radio employment opportunity came before college at CKBC in Bathurst during Grade 12. After graduating from BHS, Peter attended radio broadcasting at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario.
Upon his completion at Loyalist, Peter quickly landed his first full-time radio production job in Kapuskasing, ON at a local radio station. His talents were recognized throughout the industry, he soon secured the production Manager position Q104 in Halifax. This stint was also short-lived as Peter was hired by Rock 95 in Barrie ON, brand new and one of Ontario's biggest radio stations.
During his career at these stations, Peter took home several Crystal Awards, Canada's highest achievement in the Canadian Radio Industry.
With decades spent in commercial radio, Peter met countless world-class entertainers, athletes etc.
Pete’s favorite band was the Beatles, and his favorite Athlete, was Wayne Gretzky. Peter was an avid hockey card collector.
Later, Peter created his own business, The Control Room, which expanded his production skills working for some of Canada’s biggest concert promoters, Air Canada inflight audio services, and many more national clients.
His creativity, and talent in radio production were undeniably some of the best Canada has ever seen.
His love for music was deep-rooted, and his passion for listening, creating, and recording music was evident to everyone he met.
His influence on all his former radio colleagues, family, and friends will be ever-lasting. Peter's laugh, sense of humor, and generosity will also never be forgotten.
Peter proudly leaves behind a son, Christian Ferguson, three brothers, Scott, John (January 10, 2024), and Glen Ferguson, and his partner, Pamela Dupuis, whom he loved dearly.
Rock on, Pete. Your legacy will prosper through the echoes of your sound.
A joint celebration of life for Peter and John will be held on Friday July 19, 2024, at 1 p.m. from Elhatton’s Funeral Home Chapel, Bathurst.
