RICHARD
L. (RICH) FERCH VE3KI/VE3IAY/VE4AEO
QCWA # 33456
Rich grew up in Fort William, Ontario (now part of
Thunder Bay) and began experimenting with electronics in high school.
Education / Employment History
1964-1968 - University of Waterloo - graduated with
BMath in Applied Mathematics.
1968-1974 - Cornell University, Ithaca NY -
graduated with PhD in Applied Mathematics (thesis topic was in astrophysics).
1973-1976 - Worked for the Lab for Plasma Studies
at Cornell University doing numerical modelling in plasma physics.
1976-1979 - Worked at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd's
Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment in Pinawa, Manitoba helping develop
reactor safety modelling software.
1980-2006 - Came to Ottawa in 1980 to work for the
then Atomic Energy Control Board, which became the Canadian Nuclear Safety
Commission in 2000. Held a variety of posts there, among them: Scientific
Advisor, Safety Evaluation; Head, Event Analysis and Generic Review Group;
Director, Research and Support; Director, Components and Quality Assurance; and
Director, Wastes and Decommissioning. During that time he also served as
Canadian representative on a number of international committees and working
groups. Retired from the CNSC in 2006.
2006 - Self-employed consultant to various Canadian
and international organizations on radioactive waste safety and regulatory
issues.
Amateur Radio History
1978 First licensed as VE4AEO.
1979 Passed examination for Advanced Certificate.
1980 Moved to Ottawa. Assigned call sign VE3IAY.
Active on HF CW for a few years.
1985-1995 Inactive.
1995 Became active again, starting with HF CW
DXing, then taking up contesting in both CW and RTTY.
2006 - Radio Amateurs of Canada Vice President of
Regulatory Affairs.
2006 Obtained two-letter call sign VE3KI. Still
holds VE3IAY.
2009 Re-obtained original VE4AEO call sign, which
he uses while visiting family in Manitoba.
Rich operates HF CW, RTTY and PSK31. Active
contester, occasional DXer.
Member of the documentation team for the N1MM Logger
contesting software. Active member of several amateur radio-related Internet
user groups.
Operating awards include 5BXCC (also DXCC on 30m,
17m and 12m), WAZ, 5BWAS, WPX, Canadaward & 1000-Mile-per-Watt, all on CW;
DXCC & WAS on RTTY; plus various contesting awards and certificates.
Member of RAC, ARRL, Contest Club Ontario, CW
Operators' Club (CWops), North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC), PODXS 070 Club
(PSK31).
Joined QCWA as a Life Member in 2006. Served as
Director of Chapter 70 (2008-2011).
Rich was presented with his QCWA 30 Years
Licensed lapel pin at the Chapter 70 May 2008 dinner meeting.
Biography
prepared by VE3KI 2010-11-20