Frank R. Ferguson (July 14, 1939 – June 4, 2003) was an American politician from Alaska who served in the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska Senate.
Frank R. Ferguson | |
|---|---|
Paaraq | |
 Ferguson as a State Representative in 1973 | |
| Member of the Alaska Senate | |
| In office January 20, 1975 – December 18, 1986 | |
| Preceded by | District created Willie Hensley (District K) |
| Succeeded by | Willie Hensley |
| Constituency | District P (1975 - 1983) District L (1983 - 1986) |
| Member of the Alaska House of Representatives | |
| In office January 11, 1971 – January 20, 1975 | |
| Preceded by | Willie Hensley |
| Succeeded by | Brenda Itta |
| Constituency | District 17 (1971 - 1973) District 19 (1973 - 1975) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 14, 1939 Kotzebue, Alaska, United States |
| Died | June 4, 2003 (aged 63) Kotzebue, Alaska, United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations | Independent (1973-1974) |
| Spouse | Sophie Ferguson |
| Children | 5 |
Early life and education
editFrank Ferguson was born in Kotzebue, Alaska in 1939. The Fergusons eventually moved to Fairbanks for better access to schooling, where Frank attended Lathrop High School.[1][2]
Early career
editFerguson served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965.[3][2]
Political career
editFerguson served for four years as vice president of the Kotzebue City Council.[3]
State Representative
editFerguson was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives between 1971 and 1975, representing the Northwest Arctic and the North Slope for two two-year terms. He held the seat previously occupied by his childhood friend Willie Hensley.[4][2] During his last term in the House, he was not affiliated with any party, though he was a Democrat during his first term and for the rest of his career.[4]
State Senator
editFerguson was elected to the Alaska Senate in 1974, once again succeeding Willie Hensely, who represented the same region prior to redistricting. Ferguson served in the Senate for almost 12 years. As a senator, Ferguson was instrumental in securing state funds for rural Alaska, helping to improve rural infrastructure, courts, health services, and education. He also played a key role in establishing the Bush Caucus as a powerful force in the Alaska Legislature.[2]
Ferguson eventually retired after suffering a stroke in 1986. His Senate term was completed by Hensley.[2]
Personal life and other endeavors
editIn addition to his political offices, Ferguson held leadership positions in various organizations throughout his life, notably serving as president of the Alaska Federation of Natives and chairman of NANA Regional Corporation.[5]
Ferguson was married twice and had five children. His second wife was Sophie Ferguson.[2]
Later life and death
editFerguson suffered another stroke in May of 2000 that left him unable to speak. He died of a stroke in Kotzebue on June 4, 2003 at the age of 63. Governor Frank Murkowski ordered flags lowered to half-staff in Ferguson's honor.[2]
The headquarters of the Maniilaq Association is named the Frank R. Ferguson Building in his honor, and the Northwest Arctic Borough has awarded the Frank R. Ferguson Memorial Scholarship to students from the region since 1988.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ "Emma Ramoth | Project Jukebox | Digital Branch of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Oral History Program". University of Alaska Fairbanks. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ a b c d e f g Chambers, Mike (June 5, 2003). "Rural Alaska pioneer, 63, dies". Anchorage Daily News. pp. B1.
- ^ a b Alaska Blue Book 1973. Edited by Elaine Mitchell (1st ed.). Alaska Department of Education, Division of State Libraries. 1973. p. 84.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ a b Roster (PDF). Alaska State Legislature. 2022.
- ^ "Frank Ferguson". Alaska State Legislature. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
- ^ "Maniilaq Association". Maniilaq Association. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
- ^ "Frank R. Ferguson Memorial Scholarship Program". Northwest Arctic Borough. Retrieved October 11, 2024.