Michael D. Ferguson, 91, of Townsend, MT passed away peacefully at his home on October 3, 2023. Born on March 26, 1932, in Malta, MT, Michael was the son of Michael A. and Marguerite (Sloan) Ferguson. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Maureen Newman and Patricia Parker.
Mike will be missed by his surviving family members, including his brother Gary Ferguson and his children from a previous marriage: Michael Ferguson, RaeAnn Ferguson, Kevin Ferguson, and Karla Ferguson of Billings, and Kellie Bush resides in Idaho and Keri Clearwater resides in Germany. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Mike proudly served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He owned an airplane mechanics business in Billings for 14 years. He then went to Helena to become Director of Montana Aeronautics. Mike was a strong advocate of aviation education and flew over 1100 Young Eagles. Mike was Director of Montana Aeronautics for 27 years and retired in 2001.
Mike and Jeanette Bystrom (Jeanie) were married 17 years and moved to Townsend in 2001 and built their dream a hangar home at Townsend Airport, where he continued his lifelong passion for aviation.
Mike and Jeanie may not have flown completely around the world, but they made many trips to Central and South America, as well as most of the 50 States.
Mike received an award for his world record flight from Hawaii to Oshkosh. He also received two FAA awards for Fifty Years of Dedicated Service, one for Master Pilot and one for Master Mechanic, with no violations. He was also a strong Christian. Now Mike is flying through the Heavens. Psalms 18:10 “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did upon the wings of the wind. God Bless!
Visitation and viewing will begin at 11:00 am Friday, October 13, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend, with a Funeral Mass at noon at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Townsend. Memorials in Michael’s name are suggested to any charity or organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Noreen Burris says
My dad, Thomas (Buzz) Burris and Mike were members of the Montana Aeronautics Commission together in the early 1970’s. Dad really liked Mike and they had a lot of fun and adventures together on the Commission. Condolences from my family to Mike’s.
Paulette Turner-byrd says
Dear jeanie, steve and I were so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We will sure miss him when we are around Townsend and hope you’re hanging in there! Hope to see you soon! Love Steve and Paulette Byrd
John Holcomb says
Thank you Mike for being my friend. I was a low time pilot but you made me feel just as important as all the other flyers around you. You invited me to see your hangar home in Townsend and I could tell you were very proud of it. You did wonderful things for aviation and I for one will always remember you when I think of flying in Montana.
Gail Obie says
Mike introduced my husband and I 41 years ago. He was very persistent in the endeavor. Mike was a dear friend to us both and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to Jeanie who filled a big hole in Mike’s life. 💕