Industry mourns loss of former Costco exec Charles Burnett

Charles “Charlie” Burnett, a longtime Costco pharmacy executive, passed away early in the morning on June 1, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced Friday. Burnett is being remembered for his work as a pharmacy pioneer who helped build and grow Costco’s pharmacy business. 

During his lifetime, Burnett became the only person to win both of NACDS’ highest honors — the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award and the Harold W. Pratt Award.

“Although he retired from Costco in 2013, Charlie’s pioneering work for our pharmacies continues to contribute to our company’s success,” Costco SVP pharmacy Vic Curtis, who informed the industry of Burnett’s passing, wrote. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to have known and worked with Charles Burnett for the past 26 years and I often reflect on his unique contributions to our profession and his ethical and honest style of conducting business.”

Burnett was a veteran of the U.S. military and had been in the pharmacy industry since the 1950s — working with Save Mart Supermarkets and FedMart before eventually spending time at Costco building and expanding its pharmacy business, overseeing its first pharmacy opening in 1986, as well as the opening and operations of some 500 other locations.

“I distinctly remember how it felt to see Charlie win the Fantle Award in 2010, and the Pratt Award in 2007,” NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said. “Both presentations were true celebrations of extraordinary dedication, accomplishment, friendship and class. The loss of Charlie will be felt by so many people whose lives he affected so positively and so deeply. We stand with Barbara and their family, with the extended Costco family, and with their dear friends, in remembering Charlie warmly, and giving thanks for his amazing life.”

No information about arrangements was available Friday afternoon.