Dr. George Marvin Brenner
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Dr. George Marvin Brenner, 74, died on May 11, 2018 in Richmond, VA surrounded by loving family after an extended illness. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, steadiness and wisdom, and taking on life’s challenges with energy and hard work.
George was born September 19, 1943, in Ottawa, KS. He grew up on the family farm near Princeton, KS where he was active in 4-H. He enrolled at the University of Kansas and received a B.S. degree in Pharmacy in 1966. George received the first Ph.D. degree awarded in Pharmacology and Toxicology at K.U. in 1971.
George met Mary Ann Robinson while they were attending summer school at KU and doing research in the School of Pharmacy. They were married on August 21, 1966. In 1976, the Brenner family moved to Tulsa, OK where George was promoted to Professor at the Center for Health Sciences of Oklahoma State University. He served as Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology for fourteen years. During his tenure, George received numerous teaching awards, and authored a pharmacology textbook. The 5th edition, Brenner and Stevens’ Pharmacology, was published in 2018.
George and Mary Ann returned to Lawrence, KS in 2005 and enjoyed twelve wonderful years there where they were active in several organizations. George was a member of the Lawrence Central Rotary Club. He was active in their community service Projects and served as club treasurer.
In 2017, they moved to Richmond, VA to be closer to their daughter and grandsons. George and Mary Ann traveled frequently to see children and grandchildren, and enjoyed travel together to Mexico, Central America, and Europe.
Enjoying and preserving the natural world was George’s life-long passion, and he was proud to support numerous environmental organizations. While in Tulsa, George served as Chair of the Green Country Sierra Club and was a leader in the Inner-city Outings program for disadvantaged youth. He backpacked in Colorado and the Grand Canyon, and visited numerous state and national parks across the United States. George also enjoyed performing and listening to music throughout his life. He played trumpet in the Princeton school band, University of Kansas band, and local bands in Tulsa and Lawrence.
George is survived by his wife Mary Ann, daughter Sharon Brenner and grandsons Ciaran Jones and Braith Jones, of Richmond, VA, son John Brenner and his wife Dannielle and granddaughters Lexi and Sophia Brenner of San Antonio, TX, as well as his brother James Brenner of Los Angeles, CA, sister Brenda Grasmick of Helena, MT, and many extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, KS on Saturday, June 23rd at 4:00 p.m. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Richmond, VA.
Mary Ann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you. George was such a nice person and will be missed by all.
Blessings,
Diane Stiles
As a student, I always appreciated Dr. Brenner’s calm demeanor and depth of knowledge.
Dr. George Brenner hired me as Assistant Professor of Pharmacology way back in 1990. As my department Chair, George was a steadfast mentor and guided me in my career as I worked up to the level of Professor. George and I enjoyed working on research projects together, writing publications, and for the last 10 years closely worked together on 4 revisions of our Pharmacology textbook. I was fortunate to work closely with George as a colleague and more importantly as a friend.
Pax vobiscum
George was an outstanding professor, colleague, and friend. He was my first department chair and supervisor as a member of the faculty at OSU-CHS. I could never repay him enough for the advice and guidance he gave me in my early career years. It was a blessing to have known him and worked with him. My deepest condolences go to Mary Ann and his family.
Al Rouch
Mary Ann, Sharon and John – We were so sorry to hear of George’s death. We have such good memories of your family. George was one of the nicest men we have ever known. He was always positive, friendly and so easy to talk with. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mary Ann. We are so saddened to hear of George’s passing. He was such a great man. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to you, Sharon and Jon and families. Ron and Bonnie Ragland
Mary Ann,
I was sorry to read about George’s passing. George was always a wonderful, kind person who will be missed by all who knew him. His contributions will always be remembered – whether in the pharmaceutical, conservation or friendship arena. May good memories of a special father/husband sustain you at this time. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Gabriele Blankenship
Mary Ann and family;
Just saw this notice and want you to know I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time . I didn’t know George well but during our working years together enjoyed sharing your life stories! He was such a kind and scholarly man! Blessing to you Mary Ann.
Jeanie Guhl
1209 Chelham Lane
Edmond, OK. 73034
Maryann,
I’m so sorry to hear of George’s passing. I know this is such a huge loss for you
and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love you,
Liz Grillot and family
Mary Ann, Sharon, and John,
George was a great inspiration to me. So warm, kind, and interested. His passing is not only your loss but all of our loss.
Gary Mitchell:
Mary Ann, For the many hours we spent together in your beautiful home in Lawrence, for the wonderful conversations and the abiding friendship over the years, for your examples as dedicated pharmacists and loving human beings, I am so very grateful. George was one of a kind, a true gentleman and a scholar — and friend.
Mary Ann,
I was thinking about both of you recently and wondered if you retired
In Kansas. To my surprise, learned that George had passed away. So
Sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathy. Hope you’re doing ok. Send a msg. When you have time.
Your Brookings neighbor, Thelma Betz
Mary Ann,
Was thinking of you and George recently and wondered if you
Retired in Kansas. Discovered that George had passed away.
So sorry to learn this. I’m back in Broken Bow, NE., as Loren
Passed away 10 years ago. Would live to hear from you and learn
About your family.
Love from your Brookings neighbor