The death on the 4th inst. at his home at Ballyvally House of Captain Thomas Dickson Ferguson, MC, brings the second bereavement this year to one of Banbridge's best known and most distinguished families, at the same time severing a close link with one of the oldest industries in the locality.

Like his only brother, the late Lieut-Col J. D. Ferguson, OBE, ERD, DL of Loughbrickland, who died last March, Captain Ferguson had been a director in the linen firm of Thomas Ferguson & Co Ltd, Edenderry Factory, Lurgan Road, Banbridge.

A son of the late Norman Dickson Ferguson of Clonaslee, Lurgan Road, Banbridge, he was educated at Mourne Grange School, Kilkeel and Edinburgh Academy and joined the family concern for a brief period before the First World War.

In December 1914 he received a commission in the Royal Engineers, which incorporated the Signals and became a Signaller. He served throughout the War and was awarded the Military Cross.

After the cessation of hostilities he rejoined the Company and subsequently became a director, in which capacity he continued until his retirement in 1966. He was also director of an associate company - Ballievey Bleaching.

For a time he served as a member of the Grand Jury for Co. Down and also as High Sheriff. During a period of office as one of Her Majesty's Deputy Lieutenants for the County he and his wife, Mrs Dorothy Ferguson, had the honour of receiving the last Governor of Northern Ireland, Lord Grey and Lady Grey when they paid a visit to open a new housing estate at Ballygowan Park.

In his 84th year he was identified with Seapatrick Parish Church and in years past served on the Select Vestry.

A keen gardener he was particularly interested in the raising of flowering shrubs and in the days of the late Mr Hugh Armytage-Moore paid frequent visits to the latter's lovely gardens at Rowallane, near Saintfield.

Captain Ferguson is survived by his wife and by a son, Mr Norman Dickson Gerald Ferguson, Clonaslee, managing director and chairman of the family concern, and a daughter, Mrs T. F. Popper, Belfast.

The internment, which was private, followed an impressive funeral service in Seapatrick Parish Church at which the rector, Canon Noble R. Hamilton, TD, MA, officiated.

There were appropriate organ voluntaries by Mrs N Hamilton and the hymns, "Be Thou my Vision" and "The Lord's my Shepherd" were sung."

[RFSS Apr 2003]