Fergus Hall Ayson. 1905 - 1998

 

Fergus our 5th Chief, who did so much for the benefit of our Clan Family, died in Christchurch on 31st July 1998 aged 93.

 

Fergus was a person who enjoyed people, he was just the right person in the right  place.  When I took over from him in 1985, he was most helpful and encouraging.   I could see that people became deeply attached to him, and it gave me a real insight to Ferg's warmth and integrity.   The Clan family meant so much to him.

 

As Clan Chief he travelled extensively not only in New Zealand but overseas as well.   He searched the records in Scotland, to quote Neville Peat's  1-3-2 "Highland Fling 1978" "a globe trotter whose home when not abroad or touring in New Zealand is Christchurch.   Fergus spent two weeks in Scotland in 1975 trying to establish the Ayson Pedigree prior to the emigration of the Pioneers, and found the family history lost amid a confusion of phonetic spelling in church records - the Essons, Eassons and so on"  

 

In his travelling Fergus did visit his relations (from the Alexander side of the family) in Capetown and Zimbabwe, and up until Bill and Margaret Robinson (3-6-7) from Invercargill visited South Africa two years ago, Fergus was the only New Zealand cousin the South African and Zimbabwe cousins had seen.

 

Fergus along with a strong Christchurch Executive was responsible for setting up the Clan Branches throughout New Zealand.    Nine branches with a secretary in each place.   He remained a firm believer that strong  branches lead to a strong Clan Family.

 

He also saw that a plaque was placed on the graves of Peter and Douglas Ayson at Warepa Cemetery.   This idea  we have carried on, and now have only to put a plaque on James and Margaret Ayson's grave at Balclutha , and  our four pioneers will be remembered in this way.

 

Fergus really loved reunions, and especially National Gatherings, so it was great that he was able to be with us at our last National Gathering at Rotorua.

 

I would like to tell you something of his airforce service during the Second World War.   Fergus joined the RNZAF in 1940, and trained at several stations, and then as flight mechanic was posted to Hobsonville assembling aircraft.   He also served on Bougainville where he serviced Corsair fighters.    The  yearly  Hobsonville reunions were always high on  Ferg 's  agenda, and I think I am right in saying that since WW2 he only missed three of these  reunions.    One when he was on a trip, and the last two when he was unwell.

 

In conclusion, we have lost a loved and respected Chairman.

 

 

A memorial gathering was held in the Wyndham Presbyterian Church foyer on the 22- 8-1998 in memory of Fergus Hall Ayson 5th Chief of the Clan Ayson of NZ Society.

 

The well attended gathering was evidence of Ferg's popularity.   A tape of his early life was played, then Murray Ayson (3-2-1) spoke of his uncle's life as he saw it.   I spoke of the work done by Fergus as 5th Clan Chief and also his airforce days and  read a eulogy from Alan and Daphne Ayson (1-13-6). Neville Peat  (1-3-2) read his eulogy and Russell McDonald spoke for the Hall side of the family.  Robin Cavanagh (accompanied by his wife Rae) sang with feeling as Robin can, "The flower of Scotland"  a favourite of Ferg's.

 

We then enjoyed afternoon tea, many speaking to each other about their memories of Fergus.  

 

 

A special memorial service was held at the Fire Dept. Building, Ferrymead, Christchurch on 19- 9-1998 for FERGUS HALL AYSON.

 

Fergus passed away on 31-7-1998 aged 93 years, and left his body for medical research . The Chaplain to the fire service led this memorial service.

 

A nephew Gordon Smith (3-2-1) played a short tape of Ferg's earlier memories of the Glenham area, recorded in recent years.   Gordon then recounted interesting moments from Ferg's life.

 

Murray Ayson (3-2-1) (nephew) read a prepared tribute by Peter Ayson Chief (1-5-1).   Other speakers were - Trevor Ayson (I -6-5) , remembering Ferg's help when Trevor was sub chief.

 

Molly Ayson (3-2-1) (sister-in-law) recalled some memories and paid tribute to all Ferg 's brothers and sisters who have passed on.

 

The Chaplain closed the service pronouncing the benediction in Gaelic.   The gathering then viewed a plaque in memory of Fergus, placed in the building 's foyer.  The  reason  that  the memorial was at Ferrymead was because Fergus spent many hours in his retirement restoring vintage steam fire pumps and other steam engines.   Steam was his passion.

 

Fergus left $1,000 to our Clan Society. He was a generous person.

 

Peter G Ayson 6th Chief