Professor of Biology Emeritus Richard A. Ellis, 87, died in Prague on December 31, 2015.
Ellis graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1949 and received his PhD from Harvard University in 1954. Following two years of service in the Army, working at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, he joined the Brown University faculty as an instructor in biology. He was appointed to assistant professor in 1958, to associate professor in 1962, and to professor in 1967.
During his 39 years at Brown, Ellis was an adviser and mentor to many students; director of the Biomed Electron Microscopy Facility; a member of the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry; and a Faculty Fellow, organizing cultural and social events for students living in dormitories. He established the Richard Ellis and Robert Burch Scholarship to support undergraduates at Brown after meeting students at those events who were holding two or three jobs to help cover their college expenses.
In his retirement Ellis returned to Cape Cod, where he had grown up. He enjoyed painting and was a member of the Provincetown Art Association and Museum. He is survived by his husband, Dr. Pavel Farkas. Remembrances of Ellis may be posted on his website, profellis.com.
Gifts in his memory can be made to the Richard Ellis and Robert Burch Scholarship. Checks payable to Brown University should be sent to Brown University, Gift Cashier, Box 1877, Providence, RI 02912.
