Alex Ferrance, a longtime Facilities, Engineering and Planning staff member, died Oct. 20 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.
ALEX FERRANCE
Ferrance joined Rice in 1994 as a carpenter and was promoted to carpentry/paint shop supervisor in 1998. In 2008, Ferrance was promoted to the position of facility liaison to the schools of Natural Sciences and Engineering. In addition to his official duties, Ferrance was very active with HOOTS and the American Institute of Architects sandcastle competition, which Rice has participated in for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joanie.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 27 in the Rice University Chapel. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at Farnsworth Pavilion in Rice Memorial Center.
![NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL What happened to Texas’ tilt from red to blue? That’s a gray area Mark Jones, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, […]](https://news2.rice.edu/files/2015/08/DATELINE5-36x36.jpg "Dateline Rice for Oct. 4, 2021 (Weekend Edition)"){kind=small}
I remember Mr. Ferrance strolling into the OEDK last spring while our senior design team was constructing a wooden frame, naturally an area of his expertise. He complimented us on our work and volunteered some helpful advice, and then gave us his card in case we had more questions. Rice was lucky to have him. Condolences to the family and friends of this kind gentleman.
So sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. He was a true friend at Rice. He was gentle and kind, always seeking thoughtful solutions to difficult problems. He helped us many time work out the tricky nature of our creaking building so we could keep working effectively. His was a friendly face at Valhalla too. I will miss him!