In Memoriam: Roy Ferguson

About Roy

After completing a PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta, Roy Ferguson pursued a professional career of leadership, teaching, and innovation. When Roy, who retired in 2009, was hired in 1979 as the second Director of the School of Child Care, it was a time of rapid and exiting program development. It was a fledgling School then, just getting started. Courses were created, community partnerships established and practica had to be set up.  Roy maintained a steady hand on the tiller and much progress was accomplished during his tenure.  Roy’s experience and knowledge accrued as Director of the Psychology Department at Alberta Children’s Hospital served as a solid foundation. As his Director term came to a close, Roy continued to contribute as a researcher, curriculum and program developer, graduate student supervisor and professor in the School (later renamed the School of Child and Youth Care) for the following thirty years.                                                                                                    
Roy was always approachable, making time for students and colleagues. As noted by one of his faculty colleagues:

Roy was always available for students and became a tremendous support for them when they experienced difficulties. He was an amazing listener, always calm, generous with his time. He modeled the very attributes we attempted to teach in the school. He was always available for faculty as well. Much of the time he played the role of assistant director for many of the faculty over the years. He was the ultimate colleague!

Roy’s interests included:

Clinical psychology

Developmental disabilities

Children's health care

Environmental design for children

Child and youth care education and professional development

Distance education and educational technologies

Roy peacefully departed on a beautiful sunny autumn morning on October 7^th, following a short but valiant struggle with lymphoma of the brain.

He was known and loved by many as an intelligent, curious, kind, and gentle man. In addition to his gifts in leadership, teaching, and innovation he was also an avid and skilled photographer, woodworker, and gardener. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Faye, and his beloved son, Alexander, along with all who knew him.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.earthsoption.com/obituaries

A celebration of Roy's life will be held at a later date, with opportunity for submission of pre-recorded videotaped testimonials. Instructions TBA.