Howard Ferguson's Retirement, Downsview - 13 July 1989


Notes: All colour photos were taken in Downsview but some of Howard's Ottawa staff are included. 
One black and white photo at the end was taken in Ottawa.

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Several photos and some texts were first published in the September / October 1989 edition of Zephyr.
Other photos were kindly provided later by Mr. Ferguson.

Please scroll down for 15 photos

 
Front row (centre):  Janet and Howard Ferguson & family in Downsview

 
  l to r:  Dorothy Neale, Jean DeGaust, Howard Ferguson, Elizabeth Galazka, Barb Grogan.


l to r:  Dorothy Neale, Julie Young, Jean DeGaust, Jean-Guy Coté, Elizabeth Galazka, Barb Grogan. 

Collage - Downsview


Howard Ferguson with the leather briefcase presented to him by AES staff
Howard Ferguson & Janet Ferguson

Archivist's note:  The photo hanging on the wall behind the Fergusons is a portrait of Sir Frederic Stupart who was head of the Meteorological Service of Canada between 21 Oct 1894 – 30 Jun 1929

Former weather service heads Reg Noble (left) and PD McTaggart-Cowan unveil the portrait of Mr. Ferguson to be hung in the AES Downsview's third floor "rogues gallery" honouring former Heads and ADMs of AES (MSC).

David Phillips, disguised as "Howie Ferguson", hands out a World Conference button to the real Howard Ferguson during a hilarious skit presented during retirement celebrations in the Downsview Auditorium. Members of Mr. Ferguson's family look on. See more on David's disguise and skit below.
Howard Ferguson & Janet Ferguson in the Downsview Auditorium

David Phillips presented a mock farewell address by "Howie Ferguson". Disguised as the spitting image of the retiring ADM (beard and all), Phillips had Howie speak of plans to set up a "Conference on the Changing ADMA-sphere". He also placed objects in an imaginary time capsule supposed to be buried under the new Downsview South building for a hundred years. Objects included relics of the last cigarettes smoked in the building before the smoking ban, a copy of Zephyr and other relics of Mr. Ferguson's era.
Pre-school children at the Downsview Sunburst Daycare Centre assembled this collage in honour of Howard Ferguson's retirement. It was displayed in the cafeteria during the farewell reception.


l to r:  Don Archibald, Gordon McKay, Elizabeth Galazka.

Dorothy Neale & John Reid
l  to r:  Elizabeth Galazka, John Reid, Denis Webster, Jean Degaust.

Ottawa Presentations
Howard Ferguson and deputy minister Len Good (presenter) display a Departmental Citation of Excellence Award, together with a letter of appreciation for 37 years loyal service from Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and a painting of Ottawa's Rideau Canal.  This presentation occurred during Howard's last days before retiring.

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