T. Elliot Weier, 88, a well-known cell biologist and retired professor at the University of California, Davis, died from heart failure Monday, Oct. 14, at Sutter Davis Hospital. A memorial reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, in the garden of his home at 631 Oak Ave. in Davis to honor his contributions to science, campus leadership and kindness to friends. All friends, family and acquaintances are welcome. Born in New York City in 1903, Professor Weier earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Hope College in Holland, Mich., in 1926 and a doctoral degree in botany from the University of Michigan in 1929. He joined the UC Davis faculty in the Department of Botany in 1936 and served in the department until his retirement in 1968. Professor Weier's research on photosynthesis -- the process by which plants convert light energy into cell energy in order to sustain life -- was internationally recognized. He pioneered use of the electron microscope as a complex, powerful tool to study cell structure and particularly advanced understanding of the chloroplast, the place in the cell where photosynthesis occurs. He developed an introductory plant biology course and wrote an accompanying textbook, which became well-known in its field. More than 400,000 copies of the book, now in its 6th edition, have been sold in several languages around the world. It has been used by undergraduate college students for more than half a century. Professor Weier was named Faculty Research Lecturer in 1968 by the UC Davis Academic Senate. In 1988 he received a Merit Award from the Botanical Society of America. Both awards are the highest honors each group can bestow. A coast redwood grove in the UC Davis Arboretum, which Weier helped plant in the 1940s, was dedicated in his name by then Chancellor Emil Mrak in 1969. In 1983, a greenhouse for classroom use and an adjacent courtyard intricately landscaped with exotic plants and benches were constructed and dedicated in his name. After his retirement as Professor Emeritus, Weier became an expert in the taxonomy and ecology of California lichens -- organisms composed of an alga and a fungus living in a symbiotic association. He turned part of his home into a research laboratory and collections herbarium. He was also a keen amateur photographer of nature, with professional-level skills. Colleagues remember Weier as an inspiring teacher, a world authority on plant cell structure, and a warm, supportive friend to researchers throughout the world. Professor Weier's colleagues note that he will be especially missed by his extended family of plant biologists whom he mentored, aided, financially assisted and befriended in countless and individually unforgettable ways. His energy and vision were essential to the development of the campus arboretum and its docent training program. His wisdom and humanity, his home and garden were centering points for students, staff and faculty, especially those in the botany department. Professor Weier was preceded in death by his wife, Katrina. He is survived by his brother Karl and by numerous nephews and nieces. The family prefers that any remembrances be made in the form of memorial contributions to the Friends of the Davis Arboretum, c/o Betty Quick, Campus Arboretum, University of California, Davis, CA 95616.