Harry Larowe Ferguson Jr.

was born August 14, 1935 to Harry L. Sr. and Lucille “Tootie” Ferguson in Concordia, Kansas.

He grew up and attended school in Belleville, Kansas where he graduated from Belleville High

School.

Harry was united in marriage to Phyllis Ann Austin on August 14, 1957 in Pueblo, CO. who was

the love of his life. Harry enjoyed telling the story of how they met. They were both attending

Colorado University, Boulder and played in the University Concert Band. Harry was a senior

playing first chair alto saxophone when Phyllis, a freshman, came along and he was suddenly

sitting second chair.

They moved to Kansas City, where Harry graduated from Kansas University School of Medicine

and completed his surgical residency, while Phyllis attended and graduated from nursing school.

They relocated to Albuquerque, NM where Harry worked for the VA Hospital. After three years

they moved to Gallup, NM where he joined the Public Health Service and served as a Lt.

Commander.

In 1968, the family moved to Fort Collins, CO. where Harry opened his private practice.

Harry was a general surgeon at Poudre Valley Hospital. He was also an Associate Professor

at Colorado State University, where he taught Comparative Surgery to the Doctoral Candidate

Veterinarians. Harry began working on rural healthcare and implementing an HMO program.

He later moved to Arlington, Virginia where he worked on rural health care programs for the

President Carter Administration.

They relocated to Alamosa, CO where he had a private practice for a number of years. After

retiring from his practice, Harry continued to work as an emergency room physician in Alamosa,

CO, Cheyenne, WY and Fort Morgan, CO. until he retired in Fort Collins, CO.

Harry was quite the musician and played the saxophone and piano. He especially enjoyed music

from the 20’s and 30’s. Harry was a Mason and a member of the Shrine Band in Denver, CO for

many years. Harry passed on his love of music to his grandchildren and gave Scott saxophone

lessons, Amber played the saxophone, oboe and the flute, and Nick played the saxophone. He

provided the instruments to his grandchildren as they pursued their love for music as well.

In 1992, Harry and his very special friend Kevin Utter, began to play duets at many different

venues in Fort Collins, including the Ram’s Club, senior centers and assisted living facilities for

many years. Kevin and Harry practiced together almost weekly until shortly before his death.

Harry and Phyllis had a condo in Winter Park, Colorado where the family made many

wonderful memories skiing and enjoying the beautiful Rockies. One of the highlights of Winter

Park for Harry were the times he was able to spend with his older grandchildren as they skied the

slopes together.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of 64 Years; his

sons, Harry R. (Patty) and Michael (Shari); and his daughter Tina; nine grandchildren; and

sixteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 10:30 am at Christ United Methodist

Church, Fort Collins, Co. A reception will follow the service at the church.

The family has requested Memorial Contributions be made to the Christ United Methodist

Church, Fort Collins, CO.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Ferguson family at

www.allnuttftcollins.com