Honoring the Life and Legacy of
Fergus Eldred Statom
Obituary
Fergus Eldred Statom, a talented musician and beloved family member, passed away on April 27, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, just one day shy of his sixtieth birthday. Born on April 28, 1963, in Bethesda, Maryland, Fergus was the son of the late Fred Emanuel Statom and Trinidad Statom.
Fergus was a passionate individual who found solace and joy in the world of music. From a young age, he immersed himself in the enchanting melodies of jazz music, a genre that would become his lifelong companion. Fergus showcased his musical prowess by skillfully playing the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, the piano, and the guitar. His exceptional talent resonated with those fortunate enough to witness his performances, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his listeners.
Beyond his love for music, Fergus also found pleasure in leisure activities that brought him closer to his friends and family. He possessed a keen bowling technique that often led to strikes and smiles all around. On sunny afternoons, he could be found on the golf course, swinging his clubs with precision and savoring the camaraderie that the sport provided.
Fergus, “Gus” or “Fergie,” was not only a gifted musician and sports enthusiast but a cherished member of his family. He is survived by his loving siblings: Freda Statom-Greene and her husband, Darel Greene; Faye Rodriguez and her husband, Michael Rodriguez and Fred Statom, Jr. Fergus will be fondly remembered by his nephews, Michael Rodriguez Jr., Christopher Rodriguez, Nicholas Rodriguez, and Emanuel Statom.
Although Fergus has left this world, his legacy will forever be cherished by those who knew him. His passion for music, his dedication to his career, family and his vibrant spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
A virtual memorial service will be held at 2:00pm Pacific Time (PDT) on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 to celebrate his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Jazz Foundation of America at jazzfoundation.org, a cause that Fergus held dear to his heart.
Fergus, may your soul find eternal harmony, and may the memories of your beautiful music and warm presence live on in our hearts. You will be deeply missed and forever loved. Rest in peace.
Virtual Memorial Service
& Online Reception
Recorded Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Fergus’ family invites you to view the Online Memorial Service & Reception honoring his life and legacy.
Slideshow
Photo Gallery
Please enjoy this playlist of musical selections beloved by Fergus Statom
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
by Carolyn Joyce Carty
In Lieu Of Flowers Please Consider Donating To Jazz Foundation of America
Fergus found solace and joy in the world of music. From a young age, he immersed himself in the enchanting melodies of jazz music, a genre that would become his lifelong companion. Fergus showcased his musical prowess by skillfully playing the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, the piano, and the guitar. His exceptional talent resonated with those fortunate enough to witness his performances, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his listeners.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Jazz Foundation of America at jazzfoundation.org, a cause that Fergus held dear to his heart.
Hello all, this is Billy, your cousin. I was cleaning my emails and saw the invite, 4 months too late. We were moving to Mexico during that time. I knew Gus only as a child, but I feel like I knew him in my heart. I see myself looking at his photo. I wish I had known him as an adult. God Bless.
I worked with Ferguson for over 20 years. He was always ready to lend a hand and help out, but the thing I remember most about him is his laugh and smile. He is missed!
I knew Fergus only briefly, for a little more than a year in the High School Band at Clairemont HS. He was all the things on the sax that I was not, I really appreciated his dedication and skill, and the amazing sound of his music. I do not know how he endured me in band. Mainly I remember Fergus as a warm and kind friend. Sadly we grew apart in High School, maybe something I did? I could never figure it out, but I missed him then – and again now.
Rest in peace brother,
Love,
Brian.
Thank you for including us in the celebration of Fergus’ life. It was lovely to see you all despite the circumstances…
Fergie was an amazing person. Working with Fergie for the past 20+ years was an honor and privilege. Fergie never shied away from a problem and you could always count on him to lend a hand during a cutover or emergency lat call. He was just a great all around guy and I’ll miss him very much.
I remember Fergus’ smile. He was a great bandmate in high school.
May you rest in peace Fergie, you will be missed.
Love you Uncle, Rest in Peace <3
My Dear Cousin Gus, I will always remember those days when we were kids on S. 36th St. Those are such great memories and you were the big brother that I didn’t have. You always hit the ball the farthest, had the highest bowling score, and were always a step ahead. You were older so of course I looked up to you and will never forget you. I love you Cuz and thank you for the wonderful memories until we see each other in that Great Place on the other side!
I miss that infectious laugh Fergie. You will be missed my Friend. So sorry we didn’t get to make some music together.
Al …..
Fergie was a very special friend, and I will miss him.
A beautiful soul has gone home to God. Fergus lived his life on his own terms; quietly, peacefully, and independently. Through his music he contributed harmony and pleasure to those who knew him. and loved him. Although I have not seen him for many years I still remember his loving smile and manner.
Aunt Shirley
I knew Fergie for 10yrs, worked together for 8yrs in the same office in Las Vegas, what a great person to have as a working partner and friend, always willing to go the extra mile to help. Even after i left the company, we kept in touch with a call every 2 weeks, just to chit chat. It was sad to hear of his passing, we will miss you very much.
Rajendra,
Thank you for your kind words.
I knew Fergus in High School…we were pretty good friends….went to schools dances with our dates together.I know he was a great musician, but I remember him mostly as a really nice guy with a genuine sweetness about him. Lately I had been trying to find contact info for him, and I am sad that I was not able to before his passing. I am so sad to see he is gone. He is part of my few fond memories of high school. Yes, he was awesome, even then, on the sax,,,,but boy, he was a good guy!
Thank you for sharing your memories with us, Andy.
Fergie, may you rest in peace. You were a wonderful friend and co-worker. I appreciate all of your hard work over the years. We worked through hard times and good times. Your dedication to your job was amazing. We miss you very much.
Thank you for your kind words, Sheryl.
May he rest in peace surrounded by the music he loved.
Thank you, Burt. We appreciate it.
Not only did I have the pleasure of meeting Fergus in High School in the band classes, I also played in three bands with him from 1983-1994ish. In fact, he recruited me to play in those bands to play drums. Fergus was light years ahead of us when it came to improvising and soloing! He’d be playing and sometimes I’d stop playing just to really hear him!
Another funny memory was Fergus driving around in that two-seater MG at warp speed!!! And once he was driving a carload of us on a foggy night and we couldn’t see 10 feet in front of us. We couldn’t tell if the road was straight or turning and Fergus says “Is this road turning???” and turns the wheel, scaring the $#!+ out of us!!! We had some great times for sure!!!
One last memory that comes to mind was when Caliremont’s band played Madison’s Band in a game of tackle football. I don’t remember any particular play Fergus was involved in but I do remember him saying “just hand the ball to Grease Lightning (me) and let them chase him to the goal line”…
Rest on my friend… I’ll see you again jamming with the Big Band above!
Thank you for sharing your memories of our brother!