Paul J. Ferguson, 12/17/44 - 12/14/12.

WORCESTER - Paul J. Ferguson, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts died unexpectedly of natural causes on December 14, 2012 at his townhouse in Las Vegas, Nevada. Paul would have turned 68 years old on December 17th. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend.

The son of Thomas E. Ferguson and Nora M. (Colbert) Ferguson, Paul attended St. Paul's Catholic Elementary School in Worcester, and graduated from St. Peter's High School. He was a junior at Worcester State College in 1966, studying to earn his degree in education when he joined the United States Air Force. Paul served two tours of duty in Viet Nam during his enlistment, working in Air Force Intelligence.

After his discharge, Paul drove back to Worcester from the Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington in his newly acquired Austin Healy Sprite, which was affectionately named, "Buddha". Friends and family members may remember the great adventures in Buddha, and Paul's delight in being around those that he loved, and those who so adored him. His zest for life, acceptance of others, wonderful belly laughs, and huge heart will never be forgotten.

Though he finished up his BA at Worcester State, Paul chose not to teach, but instead was accepted into one of the first new Associate Degree programs in nursing at Quinsigamond Community College. Upon finishing his degree, he passed the national nursing exam, becoming a registered nurse.

His sense of adventure drew Paul to the southwest, where he lived and worked for some years in Tucson, Arizona. Later, he moved to Reno, Nevada where he met the love of his life, Nadine Rogalski. They married aboard a steamboat cruising Lake Tahoe, with a backdrop of the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains. They would be blessed with two sons, Garret and Riordan, (Rory).

Paul and...