Union Soldier in Forrest Hills Cemetery by Milmore
Over the years I’ve come to consider a small number of you as part of my online family. I read your comments with great interest and I’ve learned a great deal as a result. Our online communities are all too often shaped by the worst elements in our society such as ignorance, hatred, and dishonesty. I like to think that Civil War Memory is a place where you can exchange ideas and engage one another in a thoughtful way.
With that in mind I am sad to report that over the weekend Marc Ferguson passed away. Marc was a frequent commenter here going back almost to the beginning. I could always count on Marc to leave a thoughtful and challenging comment in response to my posts. During the research phase of my Crater project he emailed links to online collections and other resources he thought I should check out. Marc was incredibly helpful when I moved to Boston. He suggested places to visit and even offered helpful advice once I began to look for employment.
I knew Marc was sick, but we still talked about getting together. Unfortunately, that did not happen. I am going to miss having Marc around as I know many of you will as well. My thoughts today are with his family.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you, Kevin. That was very moving and I’m sure captured the feelings of many of us. I know it did mine. My deepest condolences to Marc’s family and friends.
I had many good conversations with Cousin Marc. We discussed many subjects off-group from the various blogs and other cyber-groups. I will miss talking with him.
Dear Kevin: thanks for letting us know about Marc’s passing, however awful the news. He took a kindly interest in my blog and was a great sounding board for ideas, good and bad. Like you, I never met in him in person, but his virtual presence was a welcome one and more. He will be missed.
Best,
Don
Marc was the true definition of a gentleman. His emphasis on exposing bad history for what it was should be a lesson for all us who claim the mantle of being a historian. Your tribute is moving.
Best
Rob
What the hell? What happened to him? This is terrible news!
Go over to his Facebook page for some moving tributes. It took me by surprise as well. I was so looking forward to meeting Marc at some point. Very sad news, indeed.
James, I could tell you what little I know, if you can contact me off group. Perhaps Kevin or Brooks already shared what I know.
I knew Marc only through Facebook and a few e-mail conversations. He was a gentle and kind man. I wish we that we had been able to meet as we had hoped. I’ll miss him.
The world needs more people of integrity, not one fewer. Sad news indeed.
Really sad to hear this news. I didn’t always agree with Marc, but I enjoyed reading his commentary.
Condolences to his family and friends.
I’m very sorry to hear that. My condolences to his family. I enjoyed his blog.
What a crying shame and a tragic loss. Like many here I always enjoyed his comments.
Condolences and prayers to his friends and family.
Marc and I disagreed on somethings, but not many. He was always willing to talk, and he actually listened and did not make assumptions. Life was not a zero sum game for him.