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Ferguson reflects on long-standing Optimist career

Retiring Feature Sales manager joined Optimist in 1989
Bob Ferguson1
Retiring features manager Bob Ferguson joined the Delta Optimist in 1989. Photo by Sandor Gyarmati

There’s always going to be a need and important role for community newspapers.

That’s what longtime Delta Optimist features sales manager Bob Ferguson is saying about the future of the local newspaper as he hangs it up after more than three decades with the paper.

Ferguson, a UBC grad, worked at or help start up several community newspaper publications before joining the Optimist in 1989 to help build its advertising revenues.

Having spent almost 40 years with community newspapers, Ferguson fondly recalls, “It’s been a dream when I was asked to come here because Delta was the perfect place to raise kids. They were both young and went through the school system here and I had no interest going anywhere else. It’s a great community, really,” he said.

“Delta is consistently growing and everyone benefits by having the Optimist to get all their local news and events and the advertising through the businesses. You’re seeing more businesses come to Tilbury and increased development and opportunity.”

While Delta has seen a lot of changes over the years, and the same can be said for print newspaper publications as the move to digital in many markets appears in full swing, Ferguson believes that Deltans will always value their local newspaper and getting a copy of the Optimist at their doorsteps.

“When I was still at UBC, people, then, were saying it was the end of newspapers. It had no future and the electronic media was going to take over and everyone will have to read it on the computer,” he added. “I thought it would be a waste if that ever happened and since I’ve gotten with the paper, they’ve remained strong. It’s probably stronger. I think people, still, just like reading a book, they still like their hardcopy. We’ve done great and they will continue to do great.”

Ferguson, who at university did his thesis on starting community newspapers in the Fraser Valley, and later applied that knowledge to do just that, admits the advertising game is in his blood, enjoying every minute of it.

Known for putting in long hours to ensure his clients get the best for their advertising budgets, Ferguson will be remembered for his ultra-high work ethic and unwavering dedication.

“Bob’s dedication to the Optimist is only rivalled by his dedication to his clients and our community. Advertisers and industry leaders from across the province have reached out and send their best wishes to Bob – and we too wish Bob the best in retirement and eagerly await reports of his continued adventures,” said publisher Matt Blair.

Alvin Brouwer, president of Lower Mainland Publishing LP and Glacier Community Media Digital, agreed, saying, “Bob has had a stellar career in the newspaper industry and he will be missed. Bob has helped hundreds of local South Delta companies grow their business over the years and I am sure whatever he next tackles in life he will be a success.”

Ferguson, who has two grown sons Kyle and Micheal, plans on keeping his ties to the Optimist and the Delta community, saying the 100th anniversary of the publication in 2022 will be something truly special.

He and his wife Mari Lou, who also had a long career in the newspaper game, will also enjoy some well-deserved quiet time at their getaway at Black Mountain Ranch in Washington State, once COVID-19 subsides.

To continue Ferguson’s attentiveness to clients and attention to detail, the Optimist recently welcomed John Avdic to its sales team.