George Herbert Pennebaker, PharmD ’61, a pioneering pharmacist who helped create the Medi-Cal drug program and invented one of the first pharmacy computer systems, died in late 2025. He was 89.

Over a career that spanned decades, Pennebaker was a visionary leader in pharmacy, known for his intellectual rigor, patient-centered approach, integrity, and humor .

“George’s legacy will live on in the systems he built and the policies he shaped through his steadfast commitment to ensuring that underserved patients had access to the health care they need,” said Kathy Giacomini, PhD, BSPharm, dean of the UCSF School of Pharmacy.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1960 and PharmD degree in 1961, both from the UCSF School of Pharmacy, Pennebaker went on to become the chief pharmacist at Alta Bates Hospital. There, he was approached in the early 1960s by the UC Berkeley football team for help with preventing players’ dehydration and muscle cramping after games. Pennebaker helped develop a palatable hydration solution that later evolved into Gatorade.

Pennebaker exemplified an unwavering dedication to patients, particularly those who are underserved. He was the Medi-Cal drug program’s first pharmacy consultant, and he worked diligently to ensure that the most underserved patients had access to medications. He also helped define the pharmaceutical pricing benchmark known as “average wholesale price,” and in 1972 developed one of the first-ever pharmacy computer systems.

He served as a consultant on legal and policy issues involving pharmacy economics and practices. For many years, he authored the column “George’s Corner: ComputerTalk for the Pharmacist” in a pharmacy publication that focused on pharmacy practices and computer systems used in pharmacies.

Pennebaker was the first pharmacist to serve on the UC Board of Regents in the mid-1980s and led the California Pharmacists Association as its president in 2005.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Pennebaker was honored with the Alum of the Year Award from the UCSF Pharmacy Alumni Association in 1986.

Pennebaker donated his body to UCSF to further science and education. He is survived by his three sons and a daughter.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the UCSF Foundation, PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145 with the following note: “In memory of George Pennebaker – 7030910 for UCSF Mark Baje Class of 1999.”

Donations may also be sent to Jesuit High School, 1200 Jacob Lane, Carmichael, CA 95608, with the following note: “In memory of George Pennebaker for Kyle Benton Billing JHS Memorial Fund Class of 1994.”