DETROIT, MI The passing of Ray Ferguson, professor of Organ and Church Music at Wayne State for over 33 years, saddens Wayne State University Department of Music. Ray (70) passed on Sunday, October 27, 2002 and is survived by his wife Lee, their daughter Jacqueline Warren & family, and his brother Bob Ferguson. Professor Ferguson's passing is a tremendous loss to the Department of Music and the community. The WSU Department of Music students, faculty and staff mourn the passing of this dedicated professor, outstanding organist and music advocate. A memorial celebration will be held at Meadowbrook Congregational Church in Novi, to be announced in November.

Professor Ray Ferguson was a past organist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for many years. He was also Associate Chair of the Department of Music from1991 to 1997, retiring in August 1997. Ray continued as an Adjunct Professor and served as Co-director of Organ Studies for the Department until his passing. "Ray Ferguson served most ably as Associate Chair, in addition to his marvelous expertise as Director of our Organ and Church Music Division at WSU, " states Department Chair, Professor Dennis J. Tini. "Professor Ferguson was admired for his outstanding organ and harpsichord virtuosity, his extensive knowledge of church music/organ literature and consummate dedication to his many students locally and nationally. We will miss Ray's incredible energy, compassion and exemplary commitment to our Department of Music." Ray Ferguson also served earlier as Director of Music and Organist at Meadowbrook Congregational Church in Novi for twenty years. Ray's distinguished performance credits included performances with conductors Neville Marriner, Antal Dorati, Sixten Ehrling, among others. In 1980, Ray Ferguson was chosen by Maestro Doratito perform Brahms complete organ works for the DSO International Brahms Festival.

Ray Ferguson appeared in concert throughout North America and West Germany to wide critical acclaim and was a winner of the Biennial Organ Playing Competition. Professor Ferguson, a graduate of Syracuse University, was awarded two Fulbright Scholarships for study at the State Conservatory in Frankfurt, Germany. During a WSU sabbatical, Ray pursued research in the authentic performance practices of French keyboard music of the Baroque period.

Ray Ferguson was active in the American Guild of Organists and a past member of the AGO National Council. Professor Ferguson also chaired national AGO committees and was a past Dean of the Detroit AGO Chapter. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested contributions to the Ray Ferguson WSU Organ Fund#444231, c/o Prof. Dennis J. Tini, Chair, Wayne State University Department of Music, 1321 Old Main, Detroit, MI 48202.