William Thomson

1930 - 2023 Dr. William W. Thomson died May 19, 2023, at his home in Riverside, CA. Born October 11, 1930 in Chico, CA, Bill received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sacramento State University. He subsequently spent several years as a serviceman in Japan during the Korean War. After his return from the war, he taught high school biology until he decided to pursue his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of California, Davis. Bill was a Professor in the Botany and Plant Sciences Department at the University of California, Riverside for 36 years before retiring in 1996. He undertook pioneering research using the electron microscope to study the structure and function of plant cells, receiving a prestigious Fulbright award with several extended sabbaticals at York University, England and Adelaide University, Australia. In retirement he worked as an Editor for the Annals of Botany through Oxford University. More than professional success, Bill's bravest accomplishment was 29 years of sobriety and dedication to helping with others. Bill loved historical novels, crossword puzzles, traveling the world and telling stories. He would start every lecture with a story and those stories continued in true professor style to whomever would listen. His extensive knowledge of just about everything kept him sidelined for all family trivia games. Bill's sense of humor, knowledge and storytelling always had everyone listening and smiling. He will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, dear Cecile and survived by his son Craig Thomson, Brian Thomson (Rhonda) and daughter Erin Fuller. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Raquel), Jacob, Bonnie, Miranda, Madeleine and Cameron, as well as his niece Teri McGill and family. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the U.C.R. Thomson Graduate Endowment with Botany and Plant Sciences (Gift Administration, 900 University Ave, 1136 Hinderaker Hall, U.C.R., CA 92521.