[blueandwhite]

He died of prostate cancer, diagnosed back in 2005.

from nhl.com:
Ferguson, the father of current Toronto Maple leafs GM John Ferguson Jr., went from being a tough guy on the ice to a powerful man in the executive chair. He played eight NHL seasons from 1963-71, all with the Montreal Canadiens, and was a Stanley Cup champion five times...
Ferguson was GM and coach of the New York Rangers for two tumultuous years until 1978 and GM of the Winnipeg Jets, both in the WHA and NHL, from 1979-88 - briefly serving as coach. He was the manager of Windsor Raceway between hockey jobs before becoming director of player personnel for the Ottawa Senators from 1992-95. Ferguson was a senior scout for the San Jose Sharks from 1995 until his death.
"John Ferguson was one of the most beloved figures to ever represent the Sharks, as well as the entire National Hockey League," Sharks GM Doug Wilson said in a statement. "His sense of class, grace and love of the game of hockey is legendary among those who were fortunate enough to know and work with him."

He was also part of the winning canadian team back in the Russia/Canada series of '72, as assistant coach.
Sad day.

[ThePundit]

It's too bad. 68 isn't old these days. He probably got his prostate cancer diagnosed late. All men should go for yearly prostate exams by 50. If you get it early, it's defnitely curable.

My dad got prostate cancer 61, but they caught it right away. My uncle at 55. That means my odds for it, are very high so I'm only 43 and have been going for yearly exams since I'm 40.

[blueandwhite]

I think, they thought they caught it and then the cancer came back.
68's not old at all.
And good for you - keep the exams up. this is one of the beatable ones.