Cecil Ferguson-Wagstaff Obituary

The Very Rev. Canon Cecil Clifford Ferguson-Wagstaff, Th.D went to be with his God on August 15, 2013. He was born on June 22, 1920 in Meriden, Conn. to Clifford W. Wagstaff and Cora E. (Ferguson) Wagstaff. Only sibling, sister, Jewell Elisabeth Matkowski of Montpelier, VT, preceded him in death.

Surviving Dr. Cecil, is a brother-in-law George Matkowski of Montpelier, VT; 3 children, Richard Wagstaffe, Scott Wagstaff and Marcy Kraus; 2 step-children, James Pickard and Jacquie Pickard Graham. Grandchildren are Jennifer (Pickard) Fletcher, Maggie Lofquist, Sarah Ahrens, Wm. Ferguson-Wagstaff, Hillary Pickard, Evan Pickard and Leah Kraus. He also leaves 5 beautiful great-grandchildren, Caiden, Jack, Gabriel, Lillian and Vivian. Just as much loved, three daughters-in-law, Doris Manville, Priscilla Wagstaffe and Leslie Pickard.

His education was extensive. He earned the degrees of BA in Literature and Philosophy, Bachelor of Divinity in Theology, MA in Religious Education and Doctor of Theology in Biblical Theology. Schools attended were Bob Jones University, Northern Baptist Seminary, Seabury-Western (Episcopal), Garrett Seminary (Methodist) and Covington Seminary (Independent). He ministered many churches and parishes over his long career. And in his 90's, he was sought out and asked to be the Canon Theologian to Bishop "Doc" Loomis. A great honor.

He served as Capt. Chaplain for the 228th and 131st Inf. Rgts. and a short time with the 878th Airborne out of O'Hare Airport in the early 1960's. He completed his service as Chaplain Major in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol of Michigan.

Other organizations included Menominee, MI Masonic Order, 32nd degree and a member for 55 years. He was also a member of A.S.C.A.P. for a number of years as a musician and was part of a songwriting group. He wrote articles for his monthly community paper. He volunteered at the Lansing Airport. He took up watercolor and acrylic painting late in life and sold many paintings. He was an accomplished sailor and participated in many sailboat races. He had an insatiable appetite for writing and researching religion.

His ability to communicate and touch those young and old, and how loved he was by all who met him because of his genuine serenity, compassion and overall easygoing manner, will be oh so greatly missed. But, we are comforted in the thought that he has joined his wife, Marci J. Wade Ferguson-Wagstaff and his God in everlasting life. Together again.

Memorial services will be held on August 24, 2013 at 10:00 am at Christ the King Anglican Church, 1161 East Clark Rd., Dewitt, MI 48820. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion Auxiliary or the Chaplaincy of the Civil Air Patrol – MI WING HQ, P.O. Box 450048, 25090 Altus Bldg. 1414, Rm. 67, Selfridge ANGB, MI 48045. Arrangements made by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com