Page 12 - Pharmacy History 34 February 2008

A typical tale ...
The all too familiar story of the life and contribution so freely given by community pharmacists.
From the Maryborough District Advertiser June 2007 (Bob Osbourne)
John Ritchie, a man who put service above self
The recent passing of John Ritchie marks the end of an era in the Maryborough community. John
and his wife, Jean, were well known in Maryborough and conducted a pharmacy in High Street for many years. John Duthie Ritchie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on October 16 1919. His father was a pharmacist on the Orkney Islands.
When John was three, the family emigrated to Australia, first to Colac, then to Maryborough in 1934 where his father bought Ogle’s Pharmacy.
In the meantime, John was apprentice to a pharmacy in Melbourne, which dealt specifically in homoeopathic medicine, the alternative medicine of the times.
He learnt his profession in a time when specific individual medicines were made for customers – not
like factory made medications that are used today. It was personalised pharmacy – a customer came in and received a bottle specifically prepared with his or her name on it.
In 1945 John took over the pharmacy and ran it until he retired in 1978.
John Ritchie and Lindsay Willersdorf at Maryborough Rotary’s 50th anniversary in 2002.
During his occupancy, the
pharmacy was moved to High Street Maryborough, where it remains today.
John’s success could not have been achieved on his own. Jean Adams came to Maryborough in 1951, having been trained in pharmacy at Armadale.
Two partnerships followed – the first was in business in 1954, the second in 1955 when John and Jean were married.
Both were lasting and successful partnerships. In 1956 and 1958 they were blessed with the births of a son and a daughter.
Both John and Jean were heavily involved in the community, despite time constraints. Pharmacy in those days meant long hours of work, as John was also the hospital pharmacist. This often meant 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Thus it was heavy going when the children were young.
After leaving the shop, John was retained as the hospital pharmacist, which he enjoyed.
The hard work involved in the business allowed virtually no time
for sport and leisure pursuits, but on retirement, John took up social bowls and golf.
Despite the hard work and long hours, John was a good father, with a good sense of humour.
He was a Carlton supporter and enjoyed a punt on the horses. John along with Lindsay Willersdorf holds a unique record. He was a foundation member of Maryborough Apex in 1939 and of the Maryborough Rotary Club in 1952. He was club president of Rotary and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. This was elevated to Sapphire status at the club’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. He had completed 55 years of Rotary service. Rotary meant a lot to both John and Jean and they worked hard for the
12 Pharmacy History Australia
volume 4 no 35 September 2008