It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Dr. Laing Ferguson on December 25th 2013 at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, sons Neil (Elizabeth), Andrew (Marlyn), Kirk, four Grandchildren Jonathan, Liam, Caleigh and Hillary, and his brother Bill and family in Scotland.
Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, Laing graduated from University of Edinburgh in 1957 with a BSc Honours geology and in 1960 with a PhD in Palaeoecology. Laing taught at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B. from 1962 until his retirement in 1998. He was named Professor Emeritus in 1999.
During his time at Mount Allison he sat on many boards and committees including the Senate and Board of Regents.
The fossil cliffs in Joggins N.S., were a large part of Laing's life. In 1988 Laing wrote “The Fossil Cliffs of Joggins”, a popular book that was reprinted several times. In recognition of Laing's significant and continued contribution to the Joggins Fossil Institute he was made an Honorary Lifetime Member and named a “Keeper Of The Cliffs” in 2009. Laing was heavily involved in the Atlantic Geoscience Society, on the Executive and acting as President in 1982.
A human rights activist, Laing helped found the Canadian National Section of Amnesty International in 1973, becoming the 2nd President in 1976. He was also very involved in the local Sackville group. A lifelong philatelist and gardener, he also appreciated a good single malt.
Laing was on the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Dorchester Penitentiary for many years, and was a long time Rotarian and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2009.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Drew Nursing Home in Sackville for their care of Laing in recent years. For those who wish, donations to Heart & Stroke Canada, Amnesty International Canada or the charity of your choice in his name would be appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell's Funeral Home, Sackville. A memorial will be held in Sackville in the coming weeks.
www.campbellsfuneralhome.com