Leonard "Hungry" Ferguson, 84, of Roosevelt, our beloved Poppa, Poppy, Grumpy, Pop, Grandpapa, Great Grandpa Fergie, Cop Grandpa and Dad, was released from his earthly mission on Mon., Sept. 27, 2010, taking his huge infectious smile and laugh with him.

Dad was born Feb. 14, 1926, to John Singleton and Robina Campbell Ferguson. He married Maxine Clegg on June 18, 1948, and sealed for time and all eternity on Aug. 24, 1953. She died on April 16, 2004.

He served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Stake Missionary, Bishop, Bishop's Councilor twice, High Councilor, Temple Worker in both the Provo and Vernal temples, Young Men's, Primary, etc. He was a diligent, lifelong, faithful Home Teacher. He served as an ambassador of the church by sharing the gospel in word and example in all his associations. He was always looking for ways to serve others.

Dad lived a full and happy life, a person who truly enjoyed his entire life, including the "golden years" until he was afflicted with Alzheimer's which robbed him of his liberty. He was a man, bigger than life to his family and left a great legacy for his children and grandchildren to live up to. He was in the Navy during World War II as a radio intelligence operator and member of the FRUPAC operation. Later he worked in the Silver King Mine in Park City. He was on the Utah Highway Patrol and retired as a lieutenant after 30 years. As a second job, to provide for his family, he was also a paint contractor for over 40 years. After retirement he remained active by being elected to the Roosevelt City Council and served as the Roosevelt City mayor for two terms. Leonard was a master marksman, winning a multitude of trophies, medals and malts on the Utah Highway Patrol Combat Pistol team, and achieved a position on the Governor's 20 for over 20 years. He earned his nickname of "Hungry" by winning the lion's share of the trophies, medals, malts, prizes and pots, as well as always being first in line where there was food involved.

He loved the human touch, hugs and pats on the back. He loved to "make" his family scratch his back and brush or play with his hair. Dad enjoyed his daily adventures riding in the car, looking for wildlife and just enjoying nature. He found beauty in every rock, tree, river, cloud and person. He was greatly talented and enjoyed playing the guitar, singing, carpentry, painting, carving, softball, basketball, watching football, fly-fishing, hiking, traveling and Navy reunions. His artistic ability was often exhibited on his children's and grandchildren's arms and stomachs. Dad had a love/hate relationship with golf. He enjoyed playing with his sons, grandsons and friends, especially in tournaments when it was for a good cause.

Dad was a great example and source of comfort to his entire family. He will be sorely missed by us all. We hope he left this life knowing how much he meant to each and every life he touched and that a huge void will be left in this world with his passing.

He is survived by his six children, Dennis L. (Tami) Ferguson, Patrecia (Bob) Mullins, Rebecca (Murray) Harris, Mark Clegg Ferguson, Lori F. Wilkerson and Stephen Clegg (Jean) Ferguson; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Lois Howard, Estella Longman, Mary Ferguson and Charlotte Pearson; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Maxine; and brothers and sisters William Nathaniel, Jacob, George Washington, John Delbert, Lola Virvel, Hyrum Glen, Orvil, James Lester, Elizabeth Mae, Scott, Marvin Leroy, Louis Lavar and Gene Lee.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2010, at the Roosevelt Stake Center.

Interment was at the Roosevelt Memorial Park with military honors provided by American Legion Post No. 64 and the Utah Highway Patrol.

The family would appreciate hearing stories related to their father. If interested in contributing, please e-mail to [email protected] or write to Lori F. Wilkerson at: 145 N. State, 82-5, Roosevelt, UT 84066.