Norman Ferguson Valued by Maine Citizens

by Cherri Crockett
     
     HANOVER- The passing of Norman K. Ferguson, Jr. touched many lives within the State of Maine and beyond.Regardless of whether one knew him as Fergie or Norm, regardless if citizens supported his efforts or not, he was well-known and appreciated for his kind-hearted, no-nonsense, due process demeanor.
     It’s well known that the great artists in history were not great during their time. They painted their masterpieces, wrote their poetry, and recorded their albums and people rarely paid attention until there was legitimate value in their work. Most often, it is death that brings value to one’s life, their work, and their masterpieces. Norm Ferguson’s art was much different, whereas, it was priceless during his lifetime.
     Strangers were merely unfamiliar faces. Once Norm put a name with that face, he never passed by without acknowledgement. He touched many lives, even if only with a greeting.“If everyone wrote something for what Norm was able to do for them,” noted State Representative Jarrod Crockett. “It would fill the local paper.”Crockett went on to state that Norm was a guy that would take the smaller issues that most people felt strongly about and wrestle them. “He believed in the process and would do everything in his power to be sure it was followed and done right.”
     The everyday actions of Norm showed his passion for helping people and getting things accomplished in the best manor possible.
     U.S. Senator Susan Collins stated, “Norm's death is a true loss for Oxford County and for the State of Maine. He was a dedicated public servant who always put his constituents' priorities ahead of partisan politics. Norm was also a great friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand.”
     It was evident of the great works Norm accomplished during his life by his obituary, the kind words spoken of him in the local papers and the conversations on the street.
     “I would like to echo the praise of the late Norm Ferguson. I contacted then Senator Ferguson for information. He was extremely helpful and supportive,” stated Nancy Willard of Woodstock.Of his childhood friend, Donald Bennett reminisced of school days gone by and “Fergy’s piece of cake being down the hatch soonest.”The word on the street is how strong Norm was, not only in stature, but in character and spirit as well. For the past 11 years, Chris Howe, owner of Gordie Howe’s general store in Hanover has been able to go back in time, so-to-speak. He provides the old country store atmosphere where the town residents come to hear the daily gossip, get caught up on hunting stories or just to see what’s what around town. “Norm was a very strong man. Each time he fell sick, people were in here talking about how weak he was and how they didn’t think he was going to make it. The next thing I know, the door would open and in walked that son-of-a-gun. He would always say, ‘Hi laddy.’ We’re really going to miss him around town.”In attendance at his funeral were Senator Olympia Snowe, her husband, former Maine governor John McKernan, Senator Susan Collins and several other dignitaries. The masses of people crowded the tiny Rumford Point Church and roadways to pay their last respects to a true work of art in his time.Norm was a man of great faith and in that case, Rep. Jarrod Crockett stated, “If each person is judged on how they impacted the lives of others, Norm Ferguson will be judged well.”