Condolences on the Passing of the Honorable Lawrence Ferguson

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the Honorable Lawrence Ferguson, a devoted family man and distinguished public servant who served with distinction for sixteen years as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1985 to 2000; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Ferguson was born in 1946 in Bangor, Maine, the son of the late Donald and Barbara Ferguson. He was the devoted husband of Francine Ferguson for 37 years and was predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen Ferguson; and

WHEREAS, Larry Ferguson was raised in Portland, Maine, and was a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, as well as Rhode Island College, where he attained a Master’s degree in secondary education. Mr. Ferguson was passionate about education and was a beloved eighth-grade science teacher for 27 years at Barrington Middle School. Larry always went the extra mile for his students through his participation in numerous student enrichment programs. Larry trained with the G.L.O.B.E. program-an international network connecting schools and scientists. In addition, Larry advanced his studies at Brown University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo, all in the pursuit of knowledge to bring back to his students in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence Ferguson was a devoted public servant who served the citizens of Rhode Island with energy and abiding integrity for more than twenty years. He served as the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, District Director for Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, and was a member of Rhode Island House of Representatives (District 91) for 16 years from 1985 to 2000, where he served with distinction as a Subcommittee Chair of the House Finance Committee, a member of the Rules Committee, and the House Committee on Health and Welfare, as well as serving as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans' Affairs; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferguson also served with distinction as member of the Bristol Town Council, and as the Chairman of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee. Larry was a member of N.E.S.T. (Network of Educators in Science and Technology) at MIT, the National Education Association, the American Legion, AMVETS, the Italian American War Veterans, and the Rhode Island Democratic Party. Mr. Ferguson also served his nation with honor as a member of the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Larry Ferguson was a man of great generosity and kindness who improved the lives of countless people. He was a loving husband, father and devoted family man. In his free time, he loved spending time with his family at the beach and travelling around Maine; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Francine, Larry Ferguson leaves behind his children Alyssa Ferguson, Colin Ferguson, and Jonathan Ferguson; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby sends its deepest condolences to the Ferguson Family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mrs. Francine Ferguson, Alyssa Ferguson, Colin Ferguson, and Jonathan Ferguson.