Thomas N. Whitaker; Developed Disease-Resistant Fruit

Thomas W. Whitaker, 89, a seventh-generation Californian who once lived in San Fernando’s Casa de Lopez, now a historical monument. A biologist and geneticist who worked in the Imperial Valley developing disease-resistant fruit and vegetables, he was the author of about 300 technical and popular papers and one book, “The Cucurbits.” He traveled the world as a consultant to governments and was twice awarded Guggenheim fellowships. He moved to San Diego, where he became head of the San Diego Society of Natural History and president of the Torrey Pines Assn. During his tenure he directed the expansion of Torrey Pines Park and helped write the guidebook for the reserve. In La Jolla on Nov. 29.