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Barriere pharmacist Bruce Clary retires after 35 years

Clary and his wife started their Thompson Valley Drugs store in Barriere on Feb. 1, 1981
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Bruce Clary is retiring as the head pharmacist at Barriere Ida the end of this month. Stop by the drug store between now and Friday

For over 35 years Barriere’s pharmacist, Bruce Clary, has been dispensing medications to Lower North Thompson Valley residents.  Over the years he has been the “go to guy” for patients and their families, has communicated with numerous physicians, provided medication reviews, chronic disease management, immunization services and wellness programs.  He has always been a patient listener, offered sound advice, and is well trusted and respected by his customers.

It al, started when Clary and his wife started their Thompson Valley Drugs store on Feb. 1, 1981.

“It was a big step at the time,” says Clary, “We had big plans, but then reality set in.”

Part of that reality in 1981 was that the opening of the Barriere Diagnostic Centre had been expected to happen at the same time as the drug store.

“It was delayed,” said Clary, “We therefore had no doctors here at the time, and as a result doctors came down from Clearwater two to three days a week.  I think it was two or three years before the Barriere Diagnostic Centre finally opened.”

“That first year was a tough year,” said Clary, “But when the Diagnostic Centre finally opened it helped.  We still had a lot of people here with doctors in Kamloops, and they were very reluctant to switch to our pharmacy. It took awhile for them to bring in prescriptions.  However, we have a good base of clients now.”

In 2006 the business was sold to Collin Munro, and it is now called Barriere Pharmacy Ltd.

“The staff have been great over the years,” tells Clary, “We have always been able to find good employees.”

Were there any challenges to the business over the years?

“When we first started, interest rates were at 18 per cent – that was a challenge,” said Clary, “Then we survived the fires of 2003.

“We continued to grow our business. The people in Barriere have been great.  I would like to thank them all for their support over the years.  Without them we wouldn’t be here.  I have enjoyed dealing with everybody.”

Clary notes his last day as head pharmacist at the Barriere IDA will be June 29, and he is looking forward to having more time in the future “to do some travelling”.

In recognition of the 35 years Bruce Clary has served the medical and health needs of the community, Barriere Pharmacy Ltd. are encouraging customers to stop by Barriere IDA anytime on Friday, June 24, to congratulate Clary on his semi-retirement, and meet the new pharmacist; cake and coffee will be available.