Warren Giedt, professor emeritus and founding chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, died March 23 at his home in San Jose. He was 86.

Eleven days prior to his death, he joined family, friends and colleagues past and present to dedicate UC Davis' newest teaching building, Warren and Leta Giedt Hall. The 15,000-square-foot building, with three lecture halls and two classrooms, was made possible by a gift of $2.5 million from Giedt and his late wife, Leta.

Speaking at that event, Giedt said that seeing so many smiling faces reminded him of the morning in July 1965 when he arrived on the Davis campus.

"We were fortunate to have shared that special day with him. We will miss him," said Enrique Lavernia, dean of the College of Engineering. "However, it is important to recognize that Warren Giedt's influence will be felt for generations to come — in the work of his many students, from the benefits of his research and through his and Leta's generous gifts to the students at UC Davis."

Warren Giedt was internationally known for his teaching and research in heat transfer and thermodynamics.

He came to UC Davis in 1965 as chair of the new Department of Mechanical Engineering, and he held the chair until 1969. He served as associate dean of graduate studies for the College of Engineering from 1972 to 1980. He retired in 1983.

After retirement, the Giedts endowed a deferred philanthropic trust to create a professorship to benefit the chairs of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering.

The Giedts are survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Warren Geidt also is survived by his brother John of Florida.

The Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering will hold a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Warren and Leta Giedt Endowed Professorship Fund. Checks should be made out to the UC Davis Foundation, with a note specifying the Giedt endowment.