Richard Morey Ferguson was only 66 years old when he left this world on March 15, 2026, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. While his family and friends miss him dearly, no one can say Rick didn't make the most of the time he had while he was with us. Known for his larger-than-life presence, he filled every room with energy, laughter, and a comfortable familiarity that drew in everyone around him wherever he went. He was a natural storyteller – someone who could turn even the simplest moment into a tale you just had to hear. Whether gathered around a dinner table or standing beside you on a quiet riverbank while casting a line, Rick had a story ready to envelop you. He had a gift for connecting with anyone around him through his natural charm, charisma, and humility. Friendly and affable by nature, Rick never met a stranger...only a friend he hadn’t made yet.

Rick was born on September 25, 1959, in Denver, Colorado – a fourth-generation Coloradan. He was the son of Donald Albert Ferguson and Retta Gibson Ferguson. Rick grew up in the Stokes Place Green Bowers neighborhood of Denver with his older brother Don and his younger sister Laura. He graduated from South High School in 1977.

As Rick would tell it, he had a childhood filled with adventure. He often spoke of his boyhood freedom and idyllic summers spent roaming through the forest at the family’s mountain property in Coal Creek Canyon. His father and grandfather introduced him to the family traditions of fly fishing in Colorado's beautiful rivers and streams and hunting at their beloved duck club. Rick cherished these experiences, not only for teaching him life skills, but for instilling in him the value of family and the importance of preserving the bonds between generations. These traditions became a lasting part of who Rick was and something he was proud to share with others, and eventually, and most importantly, his son John.

Rick started his career in the construction industry in Phoenix, specializing in building pools and other water features. He continued his career in Las Vegas, where he became a superintendent and project manager. During that time, he was instrumental in the construction of several well-known Vegas attractions, but Rick would likely say his most noteworthy project was the construction of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and making sure, as he phrased it, “all the pretty shit looked pretty.”

After a fulfilling career in the construction industry, Rick looked forward to retiring and subsequently moved back to Colorado to be near John and the rest of his family. As his dad had done for him, Rick taught John to be a skilled fly fisherman, avid duck hunter, and industrious worker. Rick and John shared many memorable adventures hunting and fishing their way across the southwest, and their adventures also included jet-skiing in the San Diego Bay, exploring beautiful Hawaii, and deep-sea fishing in Cabo. Rick’s adventurous spirit, fierce dedication to his loved ones, and deep, mellifluous voice live on through John. Rick certainly had many accomplishments to be proud of, but it was always evident that his greatest pride and joy was his son.

After struggling with his relationship with alcohol for several years, Rick’s decision to get sober was a pivotal moment in his life and one that he was deservedly very proud of. He entered Step 13, a men’s sober-living facility in downtown Denver. There, he committed to sobriety and remained sober until the very end. Choosing sobriety was a hard and life-changing experience, but Rick was nothing if not determined and full of grit. He went on to become a mentor and a pillar of support for others in the sober community. He became a counselor and administrator at Step 13 and oversaw several of its donation programs, which contributed to the program's success.

After John was grown and Rick had been able to enjoy some time for himself, Rick wanted to use his skills and experience to further support his community. He was appointed to the Glendale City Planning Commission, where his construction management experience was put to good use. He was then appointed to the Glendale City Council. Rick was proud to represent his city as an elected official and was excited to bring his extensive construction knowledge to this role, including formulating and implementing plans for Glendale’s Four Mile District.

With the wisdom that only comes from a life well-lived, Rick captured the enduring lesson of that life with this resonant quote:

I chased all the shiny things.

When I lost the opportunity to do that,

That’s when I began to know myself.

When you stop chasing all the shiny things

And you realize there will never be enough

The people and the things that really matter came to me.

Rick is survived by his son John Ferguson (Bianca), his sister Laura Ferguson O’Brien (Barret), and his brother Don Ferguson. He is also survived by his three nieces (Katie Ferguson, Jenny O’Brien, and Becky O’Brien) and his nephew (Vaughn Ferguson).

In lieu of flowers, Rick would appreciate that his passion for sobriety and Step 13’s influential role in making that possible for him to be honored by memorial donations to Step Denver.