Darrel "Dean" Ferguson, a man whose life was defined by service, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his community, passed away on April 7, 2026, in Albany, Oregon. He was born on April 18, 1943, in Falls City, Oregon, to Erma Sunshine Teal and Don Ferguson.

Dean graduated from Falls City High School in 1961 and soon moved to Coos Bay, where he began his career in plywood mill work with Boise Cascade and Willamette Industries. His dedication and leadership were quickly recognized, and in 1978 he became a supervisor at Lebanon Plywood. Never one to shy away from hard work or new challenges, Dean founded Guardian Fire Protection in 1985, owning and operating the business until 2011.

Public service was woven into the fabric of Dean's life. He was a charter member of the Scio Youth Club, a member of the Scio Lions Club, and a charter member of the Oregon Fire Equipment Distributors. He served his community in numerous leadership roles, including as a Scio School Board member, a Scio Fire District Board member, and as Mayor of Scio from 1996 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2011. His dedication to young people was nationally recognized in 1996 when he was named a finalist for the USA Today Most Caring Coach Award.

Coaching was one of Dean's greatest passions. From 1975 to 2010, he devoted countless hours to youth and high school sports, shaping not only athletes but future adults. He was known for his big heart and quiet acts of kindness including buying shoes, gloves, bats, or anything else a child needed to play, no questions asked. His generosity left a lasting mark on generations of Scio families.

Dean also loved photography and was an enthusiastic supporter of Oregon State University athletics, especially Beaver baseball. Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, whom he adored and proudly spoiled.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Rick and Duane. He is survived by his brother Steve; his children Mark, Mychal, and Joey; and his beloved grandchildren Eleanor Renly, Aaron Ferguson, Logan Ferguson, Olivia Bettey, Andrew Ferguson, and Gracie Ferguson.

Dean's legacy lives on in the community he served, the young people he mentored, and the family he loved deeply.