Jerome Ferguson
October 18, 1953 – May 12, 2018
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Jerome Arlington Ferguson, age 64, of Steinbach, MB, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach.
He is survived by his daughter, Malayka Evie, his mother Rose Emmeline, brothers Swithun and Purcell, brothers-in-law Randy Penner (Adele), Reginald Penner (Ingrid), Darrel Penner (Cari) and their families.
He also leaves to mourn, his special friend, Germaine Richardson, and many friends and acquaintances.
He was predeceased by his wife, Cheryl Lynnette Ferguson (nee Penner), father, James Arlington Ferguson, sister Emyln, and baby brother Grantley. He was also predeceased by Cheryl’s baby brother, Hilton Kent, who died in infancy.
Jerome, the first son of James and Rose Ferguson, was born in Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean. Jerome grew up with most of his childhood spent on the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. As he grew, he embraced the islands’ special beauty and culture, and developed a passion for its food, namely chicken pilau, goat meat and fried fish, and especially its music, calypso, reggae and jazz. During his lifetime, he enjoyed acquiring a full library of books, research materials, CD’s and movies. His love of the island’s favorite sport, cricket, continued throughout his life, and he enjoyed watching the matches between rival Federation teams. In fact, as he continued to decline in energy and health, he still enjoyed videotapes of past games in the hospital. Although a private person, he enjoyed parties and socializing with friends and family. Jerome’s faith was an integral part of him, and the Bible by his bedside was well used and lovingly worn.
His father, James, instilled in Jerome and his siblings the importance of education, and Jerome’s love of books carried him through high school and college. In fact, it was his pursuit of a degree in both Political Science and Education that led him to move to Winnipeg in 1977. It was there he met and fell in love with his future wife, Cheryl Lynnette, and found a partner who shared his passion for music and current affairs.
They married on December 17, 1983 on a cold winter’s day at Elim Chapel in Winnipeg. Jerome taught in inner city schools in Winnipeg for five years and they later moved to Burlington, Ontario, were he supply taught, and Cheryl worked in a ladies shelter.
In the fall of 1996, they moved back to Manitoba. The move was very timely since they could now live with Mom Penner after Dad died a short while later in the spring of 1997. Jerome generously gave his time and energy to both Mom and Cheryl, and the family appreciated his contribution. It was no surprise then, that when Jerome and Cheryl built a new house across the street from mom and Dad; they invited Mom to live with them.
In 2004 Jerome and Cheryl received a chosen daughter Malayka Evie, from Haiti, who brought joy and happiness into their lives. The smiles they show in family pictures taken from that happy time are a true testament to their love for their little girl.
The family wishes to thank the Cancer Care team at Bethesda for their excellent care of Jerome during his last weeks.
Rest in peace, Jerome, and may you find everlasting joy in the music and beauty of Heaven.
The funeral service for Jerome will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Jerome’s wish was to be buried on his island home of Nevis, close to his father, sister and baby brother in the family vault. Viewing will take place prior to the service.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jerome Ferguson October 18 1953 May 12 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba
