Obituary of Gordon Brian Ferguson
Dr. Gordon Brian Ferguson, MD. - Amherst, Cumberland Co./Cleveland, Richmond Co.
Age 68, formerly of Cleveland, Richmond Co., Dr. Gordon Brian Ferguson, MD. passed away peacefully in Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, N.S on October 26, 2023. Born in Cleveland, son of the late Murdock and Muriel Ferguson, he was the 2nd eldest of his siblings.
Gordon "Brian" will be dearly missed and vividly remembered for his commitment as a husband, father, grandfather, doctor, coach, and community philanthropist. “The Doc”, a self-proclaimed nickname, was a passionate family and emergency doctor in Amherst for over 37 years after moving from Halifax in 1986 to open a practice with his dear wife and true love, Celina. Brian had countless medical achievements, including boldly establishing the Level 2 emergency department at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre with Dr. Bienkowski in 2002 and he continued to ardently advocate for its status as such. Brian was especially honoured to be named Nova Scotia’s Rural Physician of the Year in 2014 as he viewed himself as a “blue collar doctor”. After retiring from his family practice in 2019, Brian continued to provide services to rural health care centres as an emergency doctor in Amherst, Pugwash, and Springhill. Brian was a patient-first physician, from performing house calls to being available at all hours of the day for a quick phone call, consult, or word of advice. Never shy to enjoy a social beverage on occasion, Brian stayed true to his Cape Breton roots, bringing life to every get-together with good stories and “down home” hospitality. Gatherings were routinely hosted at his own kitchen table and guests had no choice but to be well fed and refreshed, with their glasses constantly full. He was also recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Town of Amherst and was an honorary fireman for the Amherst Fire Department, which was as important to him as any professional accolade. Outside of his outstanding professional career, Brian and Celina raised a family of four boys while delicately balancing demanding jobs as physicians. Brian’s hobbies primarily involved investing time and energy into his sons’ athletic endeavours, often occupying the role of coach, doctor, and motivational speaker. Brian was never shy to boast and exaggerate his sons’ athletic and academic achievements, often glowing with pride while telling stories of their professional careers and wonderful families. His legacy lives on through his family and the impact he made on the community in which he worked, lived, and loved.
Surviving are his wife, (Celina White), Amherst, married for 42 years since their time at Dalhousie Medical School; sons, Michael (Anitra), West New York, N.J.; Bradley (Andrea), Belnan, N.S.; Devin (Jessalyn) Halifax, N.S., and Aaron (Audrey) Dartmouth, N.S. Brian will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Norah, Beau, and Cameron, as well as several nieces and nephews. Brian is survived by his three siblings, Miles (Gail DeCoffe), Wanda (Don Chaddock), and Darren (Joanne).
Per the wishes of Brian and his family, there will be no visitation. There will be a private graveside service that will be held at a location dear to Brian. The family kindly requests privacy at this time. In lieu of offerings of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to Amherst Little League, SPCA, or any charity of choice.
“Dulcius Ex Asperis”; Sweeter After Difficulties.