In Passing – December 2014

Melvin Douglas Curry

Melvin Douglas Curry passed away on October 30, 2014.

He was a wonderful husband of 41 years to his wife Wally, a loved father of six, with 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by one brother, Alton Curry of Houston, TX.

He was a proud Marine Corps veteran, and he will be put to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Semper Fi, Devil Dog, Oorah!

William G. “Bill” Ferguson

William G. “Bill” Ferguson, 74, of Rosemount, MN passed away on October 16, 2014.

Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, October 23 at Saint Thomas Becke Catholic Church, 4455 South Robert Trail, Eagan. Interment with Honors was at Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.

Bill was born in Crosby, ND on September 7, 1940. He resided in Crosby until 1952 when his family moved to Duluth, MN. He graduated from Duluth East High School in 1958 and the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1962. He served as a USAF pilot for eight years on active duty and another 18 years in the Air Force Reserve in Minneapolis, MN. He was commander of the 96th Tactical Airlift Squadron in Minneapolis and retired in 1988 with the rank of Colonel. Bill served as a corporate pilot with Cargill for 30 years, the last 14 as the Aviation Department Manager. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and his dog Herbie, sports, history, travel and winters at their home in Sun Lakes, AZ.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jeanie Ferguson, daughters Tammy (Marc) Bumgarner, Kathy (Steve) Young and Lisa Lamkins. He is survived by grandchildren Michael (Maria), David and Matthew Bumgarner, Tara, Will, Joey and Ian Young, Brooke and Jillian Lamkins. He is also survived by nephew Charlie Ferguson and niece Sarah Ferguson. Preceded in death by parents Glen and Eleanor Ferguson and brother Gary Ferguson.

Memorials preferred to the Park Nicollet Foundation, designation Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center, 6500 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55426; [email protected].

Robert M. Miller

Robert (Bob) M. Miller, age 86, passed away in Chandler, Arizona on October 29, 2014. Bob was born to Robert and Elva (Sweetland) Miller on March 19, 1928 in Helena, Montana. After graduating from Park County High School in Livingston, Montana, Bob served honorably in the US Navy from 1946 to 1948. He received an accounting degree from Montana State University. Bob married Shirley Mashino in 1952 and was the beloved father of Kathryn, Brian and Linda. Bob had a successful 38 year career with the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington.

In 1984, Bob and Linda Butler McAdams were married in Renton, Washington and he became the caring step-father to Wendy, Scott and Rob. Bob and Linda retired together to Sun Lakes in 1991 where they enjoyed their time together making many wonderful friends, traveling the world, bicycling, and playing golf and tennis. Bob was a thoughtful, kind man with a deep love of animals.

He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 30 years, Linda, his three sisters, Dinah, Pat and Dorothy, six children, 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his faithful companion, Zoey. At Bob’s request, there will be no memorial service. The family thanks Hospice of the Valley for their kind care. Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Arizona Humane Society or Hospice of the Valley.