By KATH GANNAWAY
WHEN Pam Druitt started work in one of Healesville’s only chemist shops at 14, the most technical thing about the job was the telephone.
The pharmacy business has changed over the years, but Pam says people have always been core business.
Pam retired after more than 50 years on 9 June, and the mountains of flowers and gifts and the constant stream of people calling in to wish her well reflected the lives she has touched in that extraordinary length of time.
“It’s just overwhelming,” Pam said.
“Everyone has been so kind.”
The response to the Mail’s farewell photo on Facebook was instant with over 100 comments on the many attributes that have made Pam such a respected and treasured part of the Healesville community – her smile, kindness, and helpful and caring approach to her work.
“Pam has not changed a bit,” Kathryn Reed wrote. “I just had a huge flash back to being 16 again … never lose that cackle laugh”.
Pam started her career at Rutherfords chemist in November 1964.
The job offer ‘Do you think Pam would like to come and work here?’ came from Mr Rutherford through Pam’s sister.
“She asked me on the Monday and I went in and said ‘Here I am … ready for work’,” Pam recalls.
When Rutherfords sold she went with the business to McIntosh’s for just over 20 years.
When McIntosh’s sold, she stayed on with George Kakafikas and Anita Beck for 15 years and has worked for the past 18 months for the current owner, Con Gentis.
It may seem quite an achievement for someone who never wrote a resume or had a job interview, but what it actually is, is four good bosses knowing when they have someone special on their payroll.
Pam said she has always loved the ‘front of house’ role the most.
“I love people, so I guess just meeting so many different people from different walks of life is what I love.
“It is the customers who keep me going, I’ve never wanted to do pharmacy, or do any schooling really.
Pam said she used to be told she talked too much, but added that it’s often a big part of what people come in to the shop for.
“You get attached to people and people become attached to you too,” she said.
“One lady used to bring cakes in, and people want to tell you all about their families and their lives.
“How can you say you don’t have time when someone is telling you their family history?”
She answers her own question.
“You can’t … because sometimes you are the only one they have to talk to.
“You can give them the pills, but how many people give them time?”
Visit the Mail’s Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1L9Hawf to read the beautiful tributes to Pam.
