Ferris Smair | Memorial | Forever In Our Hearts

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Service Date: Thu, 9 October 2025, 12:00 AM

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Feelings of deep sadness and grief pass over me as I think of the passing of our beloved friend and colleague Ferris.

From the first day I met Ferris, he was a warm presence. He genuinely cared for people and his team, continually looking out for our wellbeing.

His loss is felt heavily by our team, colleagues, and his family and friends.

May God bring peace that surpasses all understanding to all of Ferris' family and friends.

Rest easy our dear friend.

We onboarded together at Tableau in Seattle when Covid hit, a time that could have been tough, but you contributed to make it fun. I’ll always remember hanging out with you and the energy you brought to every moment.

Throughout your career, you welcomed everyone with open arms, no matter their background. You led with consistency, integrity, and genuine care, treating each person as an individual and making them feel seen. You had a smile on your face and kindness in your heart, always.

You’ll be deeply missed, Ferris by everyone lucky enough to have known you.

Ferris, I am beyond shocked to hear the news. You were sweet, caring, focused, an amazing stakeholder and leader! The Tableau family will never forget you.

Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones. Rest in peace 🙏

Ferris was a true gentleman and a lovely human being. I cannot fathom that he has left us so soon. Love and sympathy to his precious wife and children.

Ferris, I’m beyond devastated to know that Seelah and Luca won’t have you around as they grow up; beyond devastated for Mais, you undoubtedly were her rock; beyond devastated to know I won’t be able to see you ever again. You molded me into the person I’ve become - there’s no question about that - and you gave me a chance and believed me times and times over when others didn’t. I’ll keep the fun times, the happy moments and the memories as vivid and for as long as I can. I am so glad you and Mais were at our wedding, that’s the last thing I remember of us and it warms my heart. When you met my Dad, I was so so proud of introducing you and explaining who you are , what you had done and what you represented to me. You were one of a kind and so many of us are so incredibly lucky to have crossed your path. I’m crying inside Ferg’. Wherever you are, wherever it is, I hope you can look down on

Ferris, I’m so saddened to hear about your passing. It was an honour to work with you, an exceptional human being and leader!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my friend.

Ferris welcomed me into the Tableau business with open arms and continued to be a true friend, something that’s very rare in a professional colleague. On my bad days he cheered me up and when I had good days he congratulated me on my successes. His positivity and good humour were unshakeable, no matter what went on around him. I can still hear his start to every conversation: “It’s mi mate Dave”. My thoughts are with his family, so hard to understand the loss of such a beautiful soul. You are in my thoughts and prayers Mi mate Ferris.

You will be missed, Ferris. Those were such memorable days during our Tableau times. You were a truly wonderful person — always smiling, positive, and kind. We will always remember your warmth and generosity. Rest in peace, Ferris. 💐

Such devastating news to wake up to this morning! Ferris was such a gentleman and a genuinely caring person all round. We had weekly check in during my time at Tableau/ Salesforce and spent most our time laughing and talking about his amazing family. His family meant everything to him. Ferris had the best smile and no matter how pressured he was within his role at work, he continued to power through it all and supported his team to make sure everyone was happy. You will be greatly missed Ferris. My deepest condolences to your family my friend x

Ferris, we only had a few interactions when we worked together, but I always came away from them with a warm feeling that I’d shared a moment with a fellow that I wanted to know better. Your genuine character, wry wit and serenity amid the politics were an inspiration. Wish I’d spent more time around you. Dan

Ferris what a gentleman and beautiful, honest soul you were. Everything for your team, everything for your family. I remember talking about your family all the time with you and how excited you were when your little one was born during our working days together. Your love for your family shined through that smile. At work you were always about your people. Keeping them happy, keeping them out of the politics, having fun together. My fondest memory will be that evening in the car together to get to our Tableau dinner. Steph, you and I. We circled the city for at least 40 minutes for a 5 minute drive. The laughter, the smiles, the honest fun we had. You will be missed my friend. My deepest condolences to your family. 🫶🙏🫶

My heart broke when I heard about Ferris’ sudden passing last week, but I will always remember his sincere kindness and positive energy in both work and personal interactions with all around him. Ferris will always be remembered for his caring and loving nature towards his family, friends and work colleagues. Please accept my deepest condolences, and may God give you strength and courage in this very difficult time. I will keep Ferris and his family in my prayers and thoughts.

I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Ferris at Tableau. He was one of the most authentic, caring, helpful, and supportive leaders in the business, and an all round genuine ‘good guy’. I know he will be missed by all who had the fortune of knowing him. My thoughts and condolences to the family.

Ferris was more than an exceptional leader, he was more importantly, an extraordinary and genuine person first and a mentor.

I had the honour and privilege of knowing Ferris for many years. Ferris would always bring out the best in people. He was always smiling, always positive and always kind. He would pick you up when you were down and was selfless, never asked or expected anything in return but only know you were ok.

I am forever grateful for the many years I had the privilege of knowing and working with Ferris. I will miss our regular chats and the laughter.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Thank you for all you did my friend. Vale

That’s really heartbreaking news. Ferris was not just a remarkable leader, but an incredible human being. Someone who could lift anyone’s spirits and bring out their best.

He played a huge part in helping me find my feet at Salesforce — always mentoring, guiding, and cheering me on through every challenge. He’d often reach out just to check in, a true reflection of his humility and kindness.

Thinking of his family and loved ones — may they find the strength to get through this difficult time. His legacy of care and encouragement will stay with everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Devastated to hear the news. Ferris and I had a regular 1:1 when I was his HR business partner at Tableau/Salesforce. We often spent most of time laughing. We would share stories about our families and his family meant everything to him. Ferris was a compassionate and caring leader in a very high pressured role but always found the time to ask how you were. I never have understood why good people are taken too soon. To his family, you were his guiding light and I’m sure that light will continue to burn bright in all of our hearts. Rest in peace my friend.

Ferris was an extraordinary person with a beautiful personality. He inspired the best of us while being able to keep things lite. I am forever grateful for the impact he had on me and honoured to be working with him for the last 3 years.

He was so much more than a manager, he was a leader, a mentor and most importantly he was my friend. Thank you mate, thank you for everything.

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