Ricardo Ferrando Keun

Ricardo Ferrando Keun (27 August 1912 – 29 June 2004) was a Chilean professor, Christian Democratic politician and deacon. He served as senator (1965–1973) and vice president of the Senate, and was also mayor of Temuco, among other roles.

Early life He was born in New York City, United States, on 27 August 1912, son of Alberto Ferrando Rizzi and Herminia Keun Bulano. He moved to the region of La Araucanía in Chile with his family. He studied secondary education in the Seminario de Concepción and later graduated as Professor of State in History, Geography and Civic Education from the University of Chile in 1939 with the thesis “Desarrollo Demográfico de la Provincia de Cautín”. He was married to Avelina Fuentes Larenas and had five children.

Political career He was active from youth: member of the Asociación Nacional de Estudiantes Católicos (ANEC) in 1927; engaged with the Falange Nacional, serving as its secretary general from 1941 to 1945. He taught at various schools (Liceo Nocturno Federico Hansen, Instituto de Humanidades Luis Campino, among others), and was rector of the Liceo de Hombres de Temuco in 1964-65.

He was elected Mayor of Temuco (1956-1960), then in 1965 elected Senator for the 8th Provincial Grouping (Biobío, Malleco and Cautín) for the term 1965-1973. In the Senate, he served on the permanent commissions of Public Education; Agriculture and Colonization; Economy and Trade; and Public Works. From 12 January 1971 to 22 May 1972 he was Vice President of the Senate. His work focused on education reforms, professional accreditation, agrarian reform, and regional development. One of his motions became law: Law N° 17.164 (2 August 1969), creating the Colegio de Técnicos Laborantes de Chile.

Later life and death He continued to contribute in education and regional historical work, especially involving the history of La Araucanía and Temuco. He was also active in various community and church work as a deacon. He died on 29 June 2004 in Temuco.