Ferguson, Roderic Graham, KC, B.A (Hons), LL.B, LL.M, CS, LSM
Passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Hospice Huronia – Tomkins House, Penetanguishene in his 81st year. Roderic of Midland, beloved husband of Frances Ferguson (née Shepherd) for over 54 years. Loving father of James (Marta Brisco) and Katherine (Sylvain Lamarre). Cherished grandfather of Miles and Erica Ferguson, and Alexandre and Simon Lamarre. Caring brother of Daniel Ferguson, Bill Ferguson (Dianne Hood), predeceased by Jane Ballantyne (Ted). Rod will also be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. He is predeceased by his parents Graham and Betty Ferguson.
Rod was born in Toronto and grew up in Fergus, Ontario. His parents owned a hardware store and he learned how to run a business and the value of hard work from an early age. Rod’s early experiences running a Toronto Star delivery route and as a Queen Scout helped forge his character and develop the great people skills that served him throughout his life.
Upon graduation from high school in 1962, Rod attended Renison College at the University of Waterloo on scholarship, earning a general B.A. in political science. Rod attended Osgoode Hall Law School from 1966 to 1968, and graduated with First Place Standing and received the Silver Medal. While a student, he met his “bride” Fran. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1970 and was as an associate at Thompson Rogers. Having grown up in small towns and wanting to enjoy an active community life, he and Fran soon made the decision to settle in Midland, Ontario where Rod joined the law firm of Teskey, Heacock and Ferguson.
Rod was a sought-after lawyer in Simcoe County and beyond and acted as counsel to small law firms across the province, providing litigation services to clients who would otherwise have had to travel significant distance. His efforts were recognized in 1982 when he was appointed Queen’s Counsel, and in 1989 when he was certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation. In 1997 he was awarded the Law Society Bicentennial Award of Merit for exceptional service to the Community and in 2011, the Law Society Medal for outstanding contribution to the legal profession.
Rod was a long-standing Rotarian in Midland, serving as President and Paul Harris Fellow, as well as a co-founder and honorary member of the Penetanguishene Rotary Club. He also actively served the legal community as a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, a director of The Advocates’ Society and a member of the Ontario Bar Association executive council. He was also a proud member of the Simcoe County Foresters Honorable Guard.
Rod was a life-long learner, returning to Osgoode Hall Law School for his Master’s in Alternative Dispute Resolution (2002). His one regret, educationally, was in not completing his Honours Degree before starting law school, and so, in his 70s, he completed the courses needed to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Political Science in 2021.
Rod and Fran travelled together extensively, making many connections and maintaining friendships over the years with people from all over the world. Rod had a natural and genuine curiosity and was never shy to strike up conversations with people from all walks of life. He genuinely loved meeting people and hearing their stories.
Above all, Rod cherished his time with his family, and the cottage on Bone Island became a haven. Over the years, the family have welcomed spouses, grandchildren, neighbours and countless friends.
Friends are invited to Nicholls Funeral Home on Thursday, August 29, 2024 for the visitation from 2p.m. – 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 308 King Street, Midland on Friday, August 30th at 11 a.m. The family invites everyone for a reception at the Rotary Hall in the Midland Cultural Centre following the Funeral Service. A private family interment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery, Midland. Donations to the Rotary Foundation or to Hospice Huronia – Tomkins House in Penetanguishene in honor of Rod and would be greatly appreciated by his family.