It is with great sadness that we record the death on 22 February 2026 of Canon Dr John Ferguson-Smith, former Convener of the Diocesan Administration Board and the first Honorary Lay Canon of Saint Ninian’s Cathedral. We give thanks for John’s long and outstanding service, his gifts of humility and humour, and his wisdom and commitment to the Diocese. John also gave deeply committed service over many years to the Order of St John, especially the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. John’s appointment as the first Lay Canon of Perth Cathedral in 2021 was a recognition of his service and his deep and active Christian faith. John’s contribution to the life of our Diocese, to St John, and to his congregation, St Kessog’s, Auchterarder, will long be remembered, and he will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues.
John’s body will be received at St Kessog’s Church on Thursday 12 March at 5.00pm, and following a private Committal with John’s family, a Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at St Kessog’s on Friday 13 March at 11.00am, to which all are welcome. Donations given in John’s memory will be for the St John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem.
May John rest in peace and rise in glory with Christ.
