This page honors the memory of members of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences community who have passed away. We recognize faculty, staff and students whose lives and contributions have touched and shaped our college.
With each name listed, we’ve included a link to an obituary when available, offering space for remembrance and reflection. Through this tribute, we keep their memory close and honor the connections they helped build on campus. While we are unable to include every individual, we hold deep respect and gratitude for all who have been part of our college, and for the lasting impact they’ve made.
Kenneth Tate
Co-director of UC Rangelands; Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Plant Sciences
A respected rangeland ecologist, Ken Tate’s research focused on sustainable land management and enhancing natural resources across rangeland ecosystems. With a career dedicated to integrating research, education and outreach, he examined the impacts of grazing, fire and restoration on plants, water, soil and animals. He led many important projects, including a recent study on the impact of wolves on California cattle. Throughout his career, he was honored with several awards, including the 2016 Rangeland Conservation Impact Award. Ken had a genuine ability to bring people together around contentious issues, fostering trust across the industry and community. His collaborative spirit and leadership truly changed the field, and his work continues to influence rangeland management practices and the next generation of scientists. He passed away in June 2025 at the age of 58.
Annie King
Professor in the Department of Animal Science
Annie J. King was a dedicated food scientist whose research focused on enhancing the nutritional quality of poultry products, particularly through the use of antioxidants from agricultural by-products. She joined UC Davis in 1983 as faculty with the Department of Avian Sciences, which later became part of the Department of Animal Science. She served as associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs for nearly 11 years (1994-2005) before returning to animal science to continue her research and teaching. Her work and mentorship have had a lasting impact on both the field and the students she guided. She passed away in April 2025 at the age of 76.
Anita Oberholster
Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Viticulture and Enology
Known as a dedicated educator, researcher, mentor and colleague, Anita Oberholster joined UC Davis in 2011 with a background in both wine chemistry and sensory science. She was also charged with working with the industry in her role as a Cooperative Extension specialist supporting the thousands of wineries in California. In recent years, Anita led a team researching how wildfire smoke affects wine, and she also managed a USDA grant to study the impact of red blotch disease on grapevines. She passed away January 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 50.