Herbert Davis Ferguson
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
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Herbert Davis Ferguson “Million Image Man” August 24, 1931 – January 26, 2021. Pittsburgh photographer Herbert Davis Ferguson died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, after battling Lymphoma. He passed peacefully with his daughters by his side. He was 89. Herb was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Thomas Ferguson of Placerville, CA; and his beloved wife, Ann Pearce Ferguson of Allison Park, PA. He is survived by his daughters, Heidi Fowler (Steven) of Parker, CO, and Vicki Ferguson of Glenside, PA; and his granddaughters, Lyndsay Butler of North Chesterfield, VA, and Kiera Butler of Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by his dearest and loving friend, Jeannette Medgaus, and her wonderful family that “adopted” him fifteen years ago. A native of Pittsburgh, Herb was born at West Penn Hospital where his parents, Drs. Irene and T. Gordon Ferguson both practiced. Herb was a graduate of Shady Side Academy; Penn State University, where he majored in Zoology and Entomology; the Rochester Institute of Technology; and the University of Pittsburgh, where he obtained his Master of Education. Herb served his country as an Army Medic in Germany. Returning home, he married Helen Davis and worked for ALCOA as a staff photographer. Later employed by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, he established a photographic department and was named Head of Medical Photography. He then became the Director of Medical Imaging for the University of Pittsburgh and eventually served as the University Photographer. Thirty-three years, and thousands of images later, he retired from Pitt in 1996. Herb also had a freelance business, completing photography projects for hundreds of Pittsburgh corporations and institutions. His interests were vast, his curiosity insatiable. World travelers, he and Ann visited all 50 states and 48 countries encountering countless strangers who quickly became friends. Whether on the plains of Africa or the waterways of Europe; whether through a microscope or telescope; he was as fascinated by the birds in the backyard as he was by the building of monuments and skyscrapers. Of course, with traveling came images – millions of images – the majority of which are being donated to the University of Pittsburgh Archives & Special Collections for the Herb Ferguson Photograph Collection. An avid and long-time (51 years) member of Rotary International, Herb served as Club President and in numerous District Committee chairperson roles throughout his lifetime. His sons and their families meant the world to him – Roland and Sophie Harig (Germany); David and Angela Vuylsteke (Belgium); Dmytro and Ira Symovonyk (Ukraine). Quick to tell a story, lend a hand, ask a question, or volunteer his time, Herb will be remembered for his charity and love of family and his craft. His images captured the world; his kindness captured our hearts. Friends will be received on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Bock Funeral Home, Ltd., 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw, where a service will be held at 7 PM. The family asks that flowers not be sent, rather donations be made to the Rotary Foundation.
Condolences
JoAnn Jenny 29-Jan-2021 02:18 PM
Andrew Ferguson 30-Jan-2021 11:50 AM
Susan Ferguson Loshbaugh 30-Jan-2021 04:21 PM
Ryan Romero 30-Jan-2021 05:42 PM
Juan and Debbie Romero 30-Jan-2021 05:44 PM
Joe Speziale 03-Feb-2021 01:39 PM