Raymond Earl Ferguson

Ferguson, Raymond age 75, of Lakeside Park, Kentucky passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023. He was born in Covington, Kentucky on March 16, 1947 to the late Russell and Elizabeth Ferguson (nee Bell).

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Kathy (Kat) Rakel-Ferguson; two furry children, Marmalade and Oscar; brother, Rodney (Sheila) Ferguson; nieces and nephews, Lisa, Rosie, Wade, Jeff, Alexander and Nicholas; sisters-in-law, Kimberly Lilly and Sue Ferguson; and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rusty Ferguson and nephew, Jimmy.

Borrowing a line from John Denver, Ray often said, "he was born in the summer of his 27th year." A new-found freedom had embraced him. He was influenced by the words and music of the Beatles, particularly John Lennon and George Harrison. Their messages as well as those found in the lyrics of Alan Parsons, the Moody Blues, David Crosby, Graham Nash and Pink Floyd impacted Ray throughout the rest of his 75 years.

A free spirit guided Ray, although some traditions held fast. Like his father and brother, Rusty, he served in the United States Navy. As a Petty Officer on the U.S.S. Long Beach CGN-9 during the Vietnam war, he worked as a welder among his other duties. Honorably discharged, Ray returned to Northern Kentucky, moved to Cincinnati and pursued a wide variety of interests including skydiving, completing 6 jumps.

Also, like his father and brother, Ray found employment in the Fire Protection industry. Ray created his own company KRF Fire Protection and Design, and for 20+ years designed sprinkler systems for clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky. For many years, he was the only free-lance designer in the state of Kentucky. When he retired, he created a new company, KRF Transportation, and with a fleet of cars including 2 stretch limos. Ray provided transportation for clients' needs from airport runs, proms, private events and corporate services. Some of his more well-known passengers included Woody Harrelson, Warren Zevon and Maire Osmond, but he'd often joke about his "B" list - Andy Griffith's cousin and the brother-in-law of the sound engineer for Enya - more than 6 separations from fame ??

Ray's immediate family lived in Florida so many hours were spent on the phone. His brother, Rodney, had a special greeting for Ray, "Bro, it's your Bro." Their bond grew closer later in life as there were 13 years between their ages, but it was a bond that will never be broken. "Imagine all the things that brothers do, but I will never forget the first movie that my brother took me to was the opening of " Stars Wars ". My brother was always there for me and I will never forget him. Ray you will always be in my heart ! ~ Love you Rod!" Rodney's wife, Sheila, was a great comfort to them both when their parents, Russell and Betty passed away. She was that glue that families need.

Ray held a special place in his heart for his niece Lisa and her brothers, Jeff and Jim. His sister-in-law, Sue was the conduit that kept the memory of his brother, Rusty alive in his heart.

His role of uncle to nephews Alex and Nick became one of a father figure, as their father was often unavailable. Their yearly "boys' weekend" included many trips to Red River Gorge and other sites. Their mother, Kim, could count on Ray to help with everything from car and home maintenance to emotional support.

Ray's wife, Kathy, described their meeting as "we met on Friday, he moved in on Monday and never left!" Their relationship was in its 47th year when Ray passed away. But both believe that their bond will last through eternity. They did not have human children but raised 20+ feline fur-babies who they loved just as much.

Ray's love for animals drove his decision to live a vegetarian lifestyle. He just didn't want to hurt animals.

Ray was a spiritual man. He was not a member of any specific organized religion but believed in all possibilities. His two favorite religious figures were Krishna and Jesus, and he also recognized that there were so many paths to God and the best one to follow was LOVE.

Gentle, kind, caring, funny (in his own way - friends will remember his "Ricky Ricardo" version of English!) He will be greatly missed but he will never be forgotten. He touched many lives. May his soul rest in peace and shine brilliantly as the star his energy has become.

REALIZATIONS
Brave thou art, human!
Traversing the planes between heaven and hell
Tasting the life and suffering its death

Brave thou art, human.
Ye laugh at the gods
Ye laugh at the devils and yet
Ye innocence remains secured

Brave art thou, human.
Knowing the joy of the living creation

From Thy love ye were born
To death ye will transverse
From which, ye shall return

They who worship God,
They who seek God,
They will surely find their Lord

The answer is simple and yet
Only strength provides the vision

He is inside, inside all of us
The joy is in the Knowing.

Written and copyright by Raymond Ferguson

In loving memory of Raymond, contributions may be made to SAMs Save A Pet through Ft. Thomas Animal Hospital or Found House Pet Support Program's Amazon Wishlist.


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