Sundays With Glenn

Sundays With Glenn | Prt. 4

In this episode – Sundays with Glenn | Ep. 4 . . .

Have you ever had a friend that you wish you could spend more time with? But life's daily responsibilities just seem to get in the way.

You may know such a person, a kind, gentle soul that you could just sit relaxed on your porch on a crisp autumn afternoon, passing the time engaged in conversation? We all have. Or should I say we all wish we had? With years of experience, Glenn has that uncanny ability to synthesize life lessons into rare practical ideas that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Welcome to our final episode of Sundays with Glenn. Sadly, Major Glenn Ferguson passed away in Escondido, CA., on Saturday, December 18, 2021. He reached his goal of 100. A life well-lived. He will be deeply missed.

Such a kindhearted, generous man and a lover of life. Glenn always toyed with and shared ideas that made the world better. But they were much more than ideas. He was a no-nonsense person that made things happen.

His Military service, though indispensable, was a small part of his life's legacy and contributions. He was a teacher and mentor to young people. Always up to attend special events and, as your adopted grandfather, take you into his home, feed you, and help clothe the poor people who could not afford to dress their children.

For example, an essay contest winner from a tough San Diego County neighborhood school wrote about her mother and how she had put her own life on the line to protect her children. When Glenn met the young girl at the school, he slipped her a little extra cash. She immediately burst into tears. The teacher later confided that gift and the essay contest winnings had made Christmas possible for that family. And had also allowed her to put money aside for books and uniforms to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

Glenn always had a story to share, not just to hear himself talk but a life lesson that if you genuinely listened, you too felt you could change the world. He always encouraged young people. And to this centenarian, you were always younger. Age didn't matter. During those last weeks of his incredible life, he would always begin our conversations with, "I don't know why I'm still here; how do you prepare to die?”

Glenn celebrated life. A devoted father, husband, Grandfather, neighbor, and friend to so many. He would slip one-hundred-dollar bills to poor students that rose to the occasion and challenged his essay contest. He took young people under his "wing" bought them the latest computer for college, work, or volunteer efforts.

"What do you need," he would ask? It didn't matter what it was. He always seemed to know. Glenn was a philanthropist that knew no boundaries.

While still able, he attended the ceremonies recognizing the extraordinary women chosen to receive the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award. This award (which he funded) changed recipients' lives. And raising community awareness of how much military wives sacrifice for their active-duty spouses. He provided extra cash to these Marine Wives to buy a new formal dress (above the $1,000 award they would receive) to attend the ceremony hosted by The Foundation held in their honor.

My favorite adage was this, "Surprisingly, what you do today will make a difference in years to come." - Glenn Ferguson

We close with this tribute to his beloved wife Irene written in book two of his memoirs - Military 1939-1963.

"I have procrastinated too much too often and will probably not be granted the additional time needed to complete the other three books about my life, for I feel that the grim Reaper is once again hot on my heels, and this time will not be denied. To my heirs, I offer this advice, march to the beat of your own drummer and let not those about you deter you from that which you know to be right. Each step you take is the foundation for the next, and when you are young, there are so many steps ahead that a single step seems of little consequence. Yet a single step can change your destiny, so build a solid footing. Reach for the horizon, and if you acquire it too easily and too soon, it was too close. I expect that I will soon rejoin my lovely wife, Irene.”

Glenn, you will be deeply missed.

If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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