Humble Eddie leaves behind a lasting legacy
EDDIE Ferguson’s legacy will live on well into the future.
Edward (Eddie) Ferguson from Mulgannon died suddenly on April 20 devastating his family and friends.
Eddie was known the length and breath of the town thanks largely to his sterling work with the Wexford RNLI.
Eddie was a man you’d remember long after meeting him and in life, he touched the lives of so many in his quiet and unassuming way. He was a great problem solver and his family recall how he always had a frown on his brow from trying to solve a problem.
Although he appeared to have a frown he generally had a smile on his face as he relished the challenge of solving whatever problem he was sorting.
As a brother he was immensely proud of his siblings and always there to help if needed. He was never jealous of other people’s success or good fortune and celebrated even the slightest achievement.
His love for Pam and the pride he showed when talking about TJ or Simon was obvious. Even after the shortest of conversations, you were left in no doubt as to who his priorities in life were.
Eddie was a uniquely talented individual who seemed to thrive on the most challenging of mechanical or technical problems. It was that determination and confidence in his own ability that set Eddie apart from others who might have given up on the same task, and if they did, they invariably rang him to solve the problem for them!
His love of mechanics and engineering was developed at a young age on the farm in Mulgannon. At a time when most lads of his age were building go-karts or engaged in more romantic pursuits, Eddie had his own welding plant and had assumed the role of machinery and general maintenance manager on the family farm. More often than not his repairs to everything from tractors to balers and even combine harvesters outlasted the original machine itself.
It was no wonder then that he decided to follow a career in mechanical engineering and having secured a job with Elwex, a German owned lightbulb manufacturer in Whitemill Industrial estate, he embarked on his training and apprenticeship in Cork which also brought him to Germany where he developed a fascination for new technologies and Volkswagen Beetle cars among other things.
Over the years he had a selection of red Beetles, the first one being a left hand drive which he minded like a baby and became adept at stripping the engine on Saturday mornings in front of the house in Mulgannon, carefully laying out the parts on the steps of the old farmhouse.
All this was done while his older brothers invariably remained in bed neither of them being mechanically minded. Needless to say that once the engine parts were all cleaned and checked they were reassembled in record time in readiness for testing.
Eddie worked for many years with Elwex but when the factory closed down in the 80s he set up his own business, in the former employer’s premises trading as Ferguson Engineering.
Over the years he developed many interests including sea angling where he honed his skills to become a renowned competitor both nationally and internationally.
It was no accident that Eddie’s love of the sea led to his involvement with Wexford Harbour Boat Club where he rose to the rank of Vice Commodore from where he decided to begin a campaign for the setting up of an inshore lifeboat service in Wexford town.
He was a tireless and enthusiastic campaigner for the service and one of his proudest moments was the day the service came into being as part of the RNLI, an organisation which was very dear to him and one which he served with distinction as helmsman and launch authority.
Eddie had a great sense of fun and loved nothing better than a good yarn, or to be involved in a harmless but successful prank. On one occasion he water-skied from the boat club, clad in a wetsuit, snorkel and mask to the Ferrycarrig Hotel to surprise an unsuspecting bride by coming ashore producing a box of chocolates saying ‘and all because the lady loves Milk Tray’.
Funeral mass took place in Bride Street Church followed by burial afterwards in St Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown.
He is survived by his partner Pam, sons TJ and Simon, siblings Maureen, Dick, Noel, and Caroline, mother-in-law Breda, granddaughters Keela and Alanna, sisters-in-law, daughters-inlaw, nieces, nephews, family and friends.