Eugene Cordell Ferguson

Eugene Cordell Ferguson (March 13, 1944 – May 15, 2024): You called him Gene. And, after 80 years of life, that man called Gene leaves a legacy in this world of adventure, innovation, and kindness that touched everyone that had the privilege of meeting him. He was a beloved husband, father, son and brother.

Gene grew up in California, and he began his adult life early by serving his country in the Army. As a young man fresh out of military service, Gene developed a passion for engineering and turned this into a remarkable career. He was well-respected in his field not only for his technical acumen, but for his unwavering integrity and innovative spirit. Among his many achievements, two projects stood out: the awe-inspiring structures of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the grand redesign of the Panama Canal.

Yet, it wasn’t all work and no play for Gene. While his story started in California, Gene found his home in Colorado in 1969, and his heart was as vast as the mountains he climbed there – 38 of Colorado’s fourteeners to be exact. When he wasn’t hiking and summiting the high elevations of Colorado, Gene also loved spending time in nature with horses. He volunteered with the Parker Horse Rescue and at the Cherry Creek State Park Stables. He also loved training dogs for hunting, herding and for competition.

Gene’s love for the outdoors was matched only by his competitive spirit. He played competitive baseball for the Sterns and Roger company team; on the racquetball court, he was a champion. Cycling was another of Gene's loves, his bike wheels spinning across this scenic country. Before pickleball became the latest craze, Gene had already mastered it, bringing his characteristic enthusiasm to every match. And as a rock climber, he saw things from a higher vantage point than most. He was a hiker, backpacker, cross country skier and a downhill skier. It was hard to keep up with him, but he gave everyone he touched the gift of love of outdoors.

In his later years, Gene discovered a new passion: rowing. He joined an international rowing group for those over 65. Gene competed fiercely, setting world record times and proving that age was no barrier to achievement. His spirit of adventure and determination was truly timeless.

Gene’s care for others shone through in how he impacted the lives of others by volunteering his time and skills at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church soup kitchen. His love of travel took him to the far corners of the world, where he immersed himself in diverse cultures, sampled exotic foods, and forged lasting friendships over shared meals.

Gene’s life was filled with love, laughter, family, and friends. A perfect day for Gene might start with a long walk in the morning sun with his loving wife Anna and his dog Beau and then include spending time with family and friends with a few delicious meals in between. His father, Andy Ferguson, now an impressive 100 years old, will remember his son fondly along with his sisters, Lisa and Mona, his daughter, Rachel, and countless other friends and family.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held on May 31, 2024 at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 11150 E Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO 80014. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to NAMI.org in Gene's memory.  

Gene Ferguson's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and community. His adventurous spirit, innovative mind, and kind heart will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Those who knew him carry his spirit with them, ensuring that his legacy lives on in their hearts and stories.