From the Department of Economics...

It is with deep sadness that we report the unexpected passing of Professor Ramazan “Ramo” Gençay in December, 2018.

Professor Gençay was a renowned economist who paved a unique path in his field.

Originally from Turkey, Professor Gençay obtained his BSc in economics with honours from the Middle East Technical University in Ankara. He then came to Canada and completed his MA in economics at the University of Guelph, followed by his PhD in economics at the University of Houston.

His specialization was in financial econometrics, the use of sophisticated statistical tools to analyze data from financial markets. Professor Gençay was a pioneer in the use of wavelets to analyze financial data, in the analysis of high-frequency data, and more recently in the role of economic networks in financial markets.  The interdisciplinary nature of his work meant that he published in economics, finance, and physics journals, and his enthusiasm for scholarly pursuits meant that he had coauthors and friends all over the world.

Professor Gençay’s career in economics flourished beautifully. With 70 publications in academic journals, two books, extensive citations to his work, and numerous visiting posts at other universities around the world, Professor Gençay had a decidedly productive and influential academic career.

He had taught at Simon Fraser University since 2004 and had previously held academic positions at the University of Windsor and Carleton University.

Azam Bhatti, Student and Alumni Engagement Advisor at the Economics Department, recalls Professor Gençay as a warmhearted man who liked to get involved. “He was volunteering at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler,” said Bhatti. “He was doing the most nondescript job ever, passing around microphones or something. I remember him saying, ‘I just wanted to be a part of this.’”

His other passions in life included salsa and bachata dancing, marathons, hiking the North Vancouver mountain trails, and backpacking all over the world.

Professor Gençay is survived by his wife and two daughters. He will be deeply missed.

The celebration of life for Professor Gençay will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 2 pm at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2J1.