Henry Sutton Pennypacker
Henry Sutton Pennypacker
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Henry Pennypacker Obituary
He was born in Missoula, Montana on May 27, 1937 to Henry S. Pennypacker Sr., and Ann (Chiasson) Pennypacker. He graduated from Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington before attending Whitman College where he met Susanne Farwell in 1954. They were married in 1955 and moved to Missoula. Hank earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Montana. Together with their three young children, Hank and Susanne then moved to Durham, North Carolina where he earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Duke University in 1962.
He then joined the faculty of the University of Florida at age 24. Although his early research focused on nonhumans, he soon turned to instructional design at the collegiate level and founded and built the University of Florida's Behavioral Analysis program into a national leader.
In the late 1970's, he led research and training in the area of breast cancer detection and co-founded Mammacare Corporation in 1981. Mammacare's training systems soon were widely used in medical schools throughout the United States and abroad. This work has been widely recognized in the behavioral medicine and cancer prevention communities.
Attaining the title Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida, Dr. Pennypacker was a major figure in behavior analysis through his contributions in research, teaching, and service. He also made significant contributions to instructional design through his work in precision teaching. His book Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research (with James M. Johnston, Ph.D., now in its third edition), has become a classic and essential reference on methodology in behavior analysis. He helped to establish the University of Florida as a model for behavioral-based treatment in the area of developmental disabilities.
Dr. Pennypacker served as president of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis and of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). He also consulted with the State of Florida and the United States Navy.
Dr. Pennypacker was chairman of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies since 2001. The Center's mission is to advance the scientific study of behavior and its humane application to the solution of practical problems, including the prevention and relief of human suffering.
He authored or co-authored several books, dozens of book chapters, and more than one hundred scholarly articles. He also helped obtain US and international patents.
Perhaps his greatest professional accomplishment is his legacy of dozens of graduate students and hundreds of undergraduate students, who were trained to use Hank's behavioral analysis techniques, to publish articles, write books, found companies and inspire students in this new field of study and research.
Apart from his academic and business career, Hank was an avid guitarist starting with the Snake River Outlaws as a young man in Montana and ending with his last gig with the Oak Hammock Rockers. He treasured his time trout fishing the streams of western Montana throughout his life having grown up in the Swan Valley. His affinity for automobiles included ownership of Porsches, BMWs, and a Mercedes diesel. As a private pilot, he enjoyed the challenge of instrument flying. Hank cherished his dogs and never met one he didn't love.
Hank had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in interactions with cashiers, wait staff, physical therapists, doctors - essentially anyone he encountered. He made everyone he met feel special and valued.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Susanne, daughters Marcea Kligman (Dr. Kenneth Kligman) and Dr. Leslye Pennypacker (Ben Masterton), son H. Stephen Pennypacker (Teresa Drake) granddaughters Dr. Ashley Pennypacker Hill (Adam Hill), Brittany Kligman, Courtney Weitz (Paul Weitz), Leah Werker (Travis Werker) and Carson Pennypacker (Brandon Kendall) and grandsons Benjamin Johnson and Henry (Sam) Johnson and seven great-grandchildren.
In keeping with his lifetime interest in education, a celebration of life will be held November 18, 2023 at the P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville, Florida at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies or P. K. Yonge Developmental Research School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carl Binder
October 9, 2023
Hank was my friend and wise mentor for almost 50 years. I met him through his friend and colleague, Dr. Og Lindsley, who was also one of my most important teachers. The things I remember most about Hank, beyond his gravelly voice and wry sense of humor, were his kindness, his sharp intelligence plus deep wisdom, and the way he made me and everyone I know who knew him feel special when we talked, about almost anything. I learned more from him through our conversations and shared committees and writing over the years than I can say. I miss him very much, and his model of care about doing things right will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.
Dr. Richard E. Schulman
September 27, 2023
Dr. Hank Pennypacker was my editor on an invited paper. And, what a great editor he was! I truly felt honored to have this man reviewing my work. On top of that, I found Hank to be a virally spirited intellectual with a sense of humor rivaling that of our best comedians. I will truly miss Dr. Pennypacker. He was a sterling man and a genuinely innovative behavior analyst! RIP Dr. Pennypacker.
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Nicole Philip
September 19, 2023
Hank and Susanne with Bear's Mom and Dad
One enduring thing about Hank is that often something was askew such as his clothing, a napkin, a button. Note the tulip. Just part part of his charm. <3 <3
Antonio Puente
September 18, 2023
I took two classes with him while an undergraduate at Florida. Though I pursued a career in neuropsychology, I shared an affinity for ABA and deeply appreciated his interest in psychology and myself. Tony Puente; Chair, Department of Psychology's Advisory Board.
Nicole Philip
September 16, 2023
This is my favorite picture and memory. I felt so grateful that someone as amazing as Hank would agree to give me away. I have so many wonderful memories of Hank as he and Susanne have been wonderful role models and friends. Their love story is beautiful and lives on through their amazing children and grandchildren. His dedication to Education, the Science of Behavior Analysis, and his students is beyond admirable. He lived with integrity and touched so many lives. I am privileged to have had someone like him in my life and will miss our walks and talks.
One cannot help but love that country boy from Montana!
Nicole Murrey Philip
September 16, 2023
I feel grateful to have had someone as special as you cross my path. I'll miss your storytelling, our walks & talks, and times with you and Susanne.
Dr. Nikki Keefer
September 15, 2023
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