Kenneth Ferguson

FERGUSON, KENNETH A. "FERGIE"

Ferguson, Kenneth (74) a beloved Albuquerque balloonist, loving husband, father and grandfather flew his last flight to meet our Lord on Sunday, December 10. Fergie was born in El Paso, Texas on January 15, 1949. He was preceded in death by Noble and Eileen Ferguson. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 and a half years, Margarita; his children Kathleen Browning (Kenneth); Michael Ferguson (Roisin); Samantha Ferguson; and his six grandchildren; Wesley and Parker Browning; Jacob, Elise, and Daniel Ferguson and Christopher Ferguson. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas C. Ferguson and James E. Ferguson; and his sisters Susan Ferguson Lettunich, Carroll Ferguson Nardone, and Teresa Ferguson Limberg. He also leaves behind many cherished family and friends.

Fergie was known for his larger than life personality and adventurous spirit, which allowed him to love and live his life to the fullest. He was a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso in 1977 where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He loved his career where he worked for Bendix/Allied Signal/Honeywell. His career path took him to Kansas City, M.O. where he resided for eight years. While living in Kansas City, he was sent on a business trip to Albuquerque during the International Balloon Fiesta where his passion for ballooning was ignited. As luck would have it, his company transferred him to his beloved Southwest where he was able to pursue his involvement in hot air ballooning. He became a crew chief, but that was not fulfilling enough for him. Realizing his passion and his natural aviation ability, he was encouraged to become a pilot and earned his certification in 1996. He partnered with a friend to buy their first balloon, "itsa Touchie Subject" in 1997. During his ballooning career he would own three different balloons, but chose to keep the name of "itsa Touchie Subject" for all his systems. He was an active pilot for 26 years.

He graduated from Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX where he excelled in both football and track, winning the state championship in high jump. He enjoyed many other activities throughout his life including skiing, rock climbing, fishing, camping, racquetball, softball, and volleyball. His love for the outdoors led him to be a volunteer for Cibola Search and Rescue as well as Mountain Rescue.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Wednesday, December 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at French Funerals located at 7121 Wyoming Blvd N.E. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church at 7701 Wyoming Blvd. N.E. Reception to follow at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cibola Search and Rescue or Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council.