Farewell Robin Ferguson
One of our mountain brothers here in the Aspen area is now gone. After a courageous battle with cancer, skier, homebuilder, craftsman and family man Robin Ferguson passed away at his home yesterday morning with his family present.
I’d know Robin for years, and every time we’d cross paths he’d always have a glint of joy in his eye — even when times were tough. He was such a hard worker. When it was time to build his family’s house, he set up a tent camp on their land where he and his wife lived while they got the house done, nearly all on their own. After that Robin created a thriving business as a skilled wood worker and home builder. And he kept skiing.
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| Robin Ferguson on Mount Hayden, Colorado, 1984. Michael Kennedy photo. |
Robin loved skiing and ski alpinism. As a young man he fell in love with France, where he learned ski touring from the masters. He then brought his skills here to Colorado. All the while he obtained land in France and built a hand crafted chalet near Chamonix that’s become a legend among his friends. Along with that, Robin was no stranger to his Scottish heritage, and was known to show up in a kilt on occasion.
Perhaps the most meaningful legacy Robin leaves to mountaineers is his being a founding board member of the Friends Hut. He spent seemingly infinite volunteer hours on that fine Colorado ski cabin, located in the mountains between Crested Butte and Aspen. When you visit Friends Hut and notice how put together that place is, know much of this was Robin’s influence and hands-on work. If you’re rummaging around the hut and find a hidden stash of Glenlivet, it’s probably a bottle Robin tucked away for a special occasion — meaning any time at the hut. So take a nip and think of Robin, and how much he gave to those around him. And as the sun sets, if you think you see a person up on the ridge high above the hut, and the silhouette on the horizon looks like a guy, but… that’s probably Robin, wearing a kilt and smiling into the breeze. Thanks Robin, we miss you so much.
Condolences to Robin’s wife Martha and children Taylor and Piper.
Comments are on, friends.
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| Another shot of Robin on Mount Hayden. Michael Kennedy photo. |
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8 Responses to “Farewell Robin Ferguson”
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Thanks, Lou for the eulogy and for the fine photos from Michael Kennedy. My condolences to the family and all friends of Robin.
Paul
Thanks for a great tribute – we’ll all miss Robin. Condolences to Martha, Piper, and Taylor, and Robin’s many friends.
One of the great local mountain men! Sending all my thoughts to his family. And a tour on Robin’s behalf would be warranted this spring!
Chris
I never had the opportunity to meet Robin and being of this generation of fellow climbers and mountaineers, and seeing some of my backcountry friends slowly beginning to pass on, whether it be by accident or natural causes, I send my condolences to his family and friends.
Lou and the Ferguson family; I never knew Robin, but sounds like one hell of a guy. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Berg Heil to ALL !
My condolences to Robin’s family. He was one of those guys that always made you feel good when you ran into him in the mountains or on the street. He will be missed.
M
I first met Robin in Chamonix in the early ’70s. We skied, washed dishes and ate raclette in Argentiere. He laughed a lot and took it as it came, one edge at a time. We had fun together skiing the Alps. If there’s deep powder to be found on the other side, Robin’s found it! My condolences to his friends and family who will miss him, his laughter and his friendship.
I remember playing my fiddle while Robin picked his banjo, in that warm trailer on wintery days and evenings, down in Woody Creek. Aspen and the valley was still pretty rustic, downhome and was not too populated. We skiied many times together, my sister, Robin and myself, and always back home for a fine meal, drink and good laughs. There was a purity to his soft voice, a warmth like a candle in his music, a confidence in his love of life and adventure…a passion for the simple, for the beautiful flowing essence of design in the world around him. Thanks, Robin, for your many insights, grinning smiles, sweet music and shining spirit!