William R. Evitt, Professor Emeritus of Geology, Dies at 86

William R. Evitt, Professor Emeritus of Geology, passed away on March 22, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Professor Evitt was an internationally recognized specialist in the study of fossil dinoflagellates, an important group of marine and non-marine phytoplankton abundant in both the modern and ancient ocean. His pioneering research included the naming and study of acritarchs, primitive phytoplankton which appeared much earlier than the dinoflagellates and that include some of the oldest known marine microfossils. Professor Evitt's research had an important and lasting impact on the petroleum industry as well as our understanding of early marine life. He joined the Department of Geology in 1962 and retired in 1986. Professor Evitt taught highly regarded courses in invertebrate and vertebrate paleontology along with graduate courses and seminars in his specialty of palynology. His teaching style was lively, highly organized and accompanied by remarkable chalk drawings of the fossils he thoroughly enjoyed describing.

In lieu of flowers, the Evitt family suggests that those wishing to commemerate Professor Evitt consider a donation to any of the following organizations in his memory.

American Friends Service Committee
AFSC Development, 1501 Chenny St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Online Donations
In memory of William Evitt; acknowledgment card sent to: Gisela Evitt, 14500 Fruitvale Ave, Apt 5102, Saratoga, CA 95070.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Online Donations
Add comment: in memory of William Evitt, 14500 Fruitvale Ave, Apt 5102, Saratoga, CA 95070

Sempervirens Fund
Sempervirens Fund, P.O. Drawer BE, Los Altos, CA 94023
Online Donations
After selecting the "one-time" donation option, and entering donor information, the next data entry page provides an opportunity to indicate that the donation is in memory of a particular individual [William Evitt], and to mail a letter on behalf of the donor to [Gisela Evitt, 14500 Fruitvale Ave, Apt 5102, Saratoga, CA 95070].