Community will miss Art Ferguson
Published 12:00 am Friday, December 9, 2005
No matter the circumstances, a death in the family is always difficult and heart wrenching. In a way, The Ironton Tribune suffered that loss Thursday when respected journalist Arthur S. Ferguson passed away.
Though his peers may never know the pain his family must be feeling, Art was a part of our family, too. He had been a part of the “news” in Lawrence County for nearly 30 years, starting first as a contributor and ultimately serving as managing editor at The Ironton Tribune for nine years. But Art Ferguson was an integral part of the Lawrence County community for far longer.
Over the years, Ferguson touched thousands of people from all walks of life. And it may be unique that he did it in so many different ways.
In addition to being a journalist, Art was an educator in the South Point School District and later at Ohio University Southern. But perhaps his greatest legacy comes from his love for the Boy Scouts, educating youth and enjoying the environment.
Art led countless Boy Scout adventures in southern Ohio and abroad. His work to promote and preserve Symmes Creek will live on forever in the canoe trail that bears his name. Art actually co-founded the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee that still works today to preserve the waterway.
If you had asked Art about the Boy Scouts or Lawrence County’s rich natural resources and his eyes would light up. He would run his hands through his white hair and recount the tales, all in the most vivid details that would make a younger man jealous.
A storyteller extraordinaire, Art could capture an audience. Perhaps the best story about Art comes from a visit he once made to a local doctor’s office.
When it came time for Art to pay his bill, the note simply said, “Paid for by 1,000 campfires.” A former scout had done his part to thank the leader for his dedication.
So, Art Ferguson may have passed away but his legacy will live forever in those campfire memories and the stories he told.