HAROLD D. FERGUSON Jan. 6, 1932–Feb. 18, 2014

Harold D. Ferguson, 82, a 46-year resident of Los Alamos, died at his home Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. He suffered for several years with Parkinson’s disease. 

A mechanical engineer, Harold worked at the LAMP facility at the Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1967 until his retirement in 1990. From 1973 until 1994, he and his wife, Alta Lou, were half-owners of the Royal Crest Mobile Home Park in Los Alamos. In 1994, the Fergusons purchased and upgraded the Las Tiendias de Corrales Shopping Center in Albuquerque. They sold the shopping center in 1998. 

Until his death, Harold was an active member of the White Rock Senior Center, primarily in senior exercise and investing programs. 

Harold was born Jan. 6, 1932 in Luther, Tenn., to Thomas and Matilda Ferguson. He graduated from high school in Maryville, Tenn., in 1951. He received the bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee in 1955. An ROTC graduate, Ferguson entered the U.S. Air Force in 1955 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He took fighter pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas, and at Marana Air Base in Tucson, Ariz. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1957. In 1962, he was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He was discharged from the reserve in 1967. 

Harold worked as an engineer at American Car and Foundry (ACF) in Albuquerque from 1957 until 1967. During that time, he purchased and upgraded apartments in Albuquerque, and he met Alta Lou who was also employed by ACF. They were married Aug. 18, 1967, and moved to Los Alamos. 

Harold is survived by his wife and a sister, Audrey Blevins of Maryville, Tenn. His wife has asked that any donation in Harold’s name be given to the White Rock Senior Center, 137 Longview Dr. Los Alamos, NM 87544. Or the Parkinson’s Research Foundation, 5969 Cattleridge Boulevard, Ste. 100, Sarasota, Fla., 34232.

Funeral services for Harold D. Ferguson will be held at DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory in Española at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2014. This will be followed by a graveside ceremony at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 1:15 p.m. The Reverend Colin Kelly will preside. The family of Harold D. Ferguson has entrusted their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory.