Robert FERGUSON November 22,1916 - June 13, 2002 Robert Ferguson was born in Douglas, Arizona on November 22, 1916 and passed away at the age of 85 years, June 13, 2002 in Federal Way, Washington. After graduating from High school Robert began a long and distinguished career in the service of his country starting in 1936.He served for a period of two years in the Civilian Conservation Core and then entered the Army Air Corp, which eventually became the United States Air Force. His military career spanned over three decades. His tour of service began with 376th Bomb Group European Theater of Operations. During World War II he served in North Africa and Italy. Following the War, Robert served with the 97th Bomb wing, Biggs AFB, Texas, HQ 16th Air Force Torrejon AFB, Spain, 5th Bomb Wing, Travis AFB, California, and HQ Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, where Robert retired from active duty in 1967. Following his Military Career, Robert and his family settled in Federal Way, Washington where he began a 17-year career with The Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Robert served as a M-7360 Engineer with the Boeing Co and traveled extensively as part of responsibilities. Robert was dubbed " Ambassador to South America " by his colleagues due to his fluency in Spanish as well as his ability to assist South & Central American operators in developing and streamlining their maintenance operations. Robert's career with Boeing began in 1968 and ended with his retirement on March 1, 1984. Robert truly embodied the sprit and meaning of what peoples refer to as a " people person " His ability to communicate with anyone he came in contact with and make them feel important was one of his most cherished qualities. He always treated people the same, with respect and dignity. His greatest joy was in knowing his friends and family always enjoyed themselves. Among Roberts's passions, was his family, whom he always put first and foremost. He also greatly enjoyed entertaining his friends and family, and developed a well deserved reputation as the life of the party, as well as an excellent dancer. Robert enjoyed the outdoors and spent many years with his family teaching them the joys of camping. At an early age Robert developed an appreciation and taste for music of all types and truly enjoyed listening to his favorite music as part of his daily routine. Robert traveled extensively throughout his career and continued to travel after his retirement enjoying many wonderful trips with his lovely wife, Marilyn. Robert spent the last 20 years of his life battling the effects of Parkinson's disease. It was a battle that took its toll, but through it all his sprit endured and never wavered. He never lost his dignity nor respect for humanity. He loved his home and his wish was never to leave there until God called. It was a wish that was honored by his family with love and devotion. Robert was survived by his wife Marilyn Ferguson and their six children, Kathleen Montgomery, Anthony Ferguson, Julie Ferguson, Daniel Ferguson, Charles Ferguson and Edward Ferguson. Grandchildren are Deena, Kim, Todd, Glee, Austin, Seth, Aaron, Brianna, Travis, Rochelle, Alicia, Riley and Isabella. Great Grandchildren are Terra, Stephen, Sean, Justin, Marissa, Ashley and Dylan. Memorial Service will be held 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at Covington Memorial Service, 27221 156th Ave. S.E., Covington, Wa. Graveside Service to follow at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, local chapter. A celebration of his life will be held immediately following the services at his son Daniel's home, 3116 So. 273rd St., Auburn, Wa. 98001. Jun 18, 2002 Seattle Times