Beloved Local Pharmacists Retire After Decades of Service

News Summary

In Laurens County, local pharmacists Forrest Adair and Berley Lindler have wrapped up distinguished careers, leaving a legacy of community engagement and personal service. Adair, with 43.5 years at Adair Apothecary, is transitioning to semi-retirement, while Lindler closes Berley’s Pharmacy after 41 years. Their stories highlight the important role pharmacists play in their communities.

Local Pharmacists Celebrate Retirement After Decades of Service

This week, the townsfolk of Laurens County are buzzing with news as two beloved pharmacists wrap up their careers, leaving behind a legacy of personal service and community love. Forrest Adair, the owner of Adair Apothecary, is officially stepping into semi-retirement after an astounding 43 and a half years in business. Born and raised in Laurens County, Adair has spent the last four decades building not just a business, but a tight-knit family of customers.

Adair kicked off his pharmacy journey in 1977 at Sadler’s Apothecary in Clinton as a registered pharmacist. With his natural flair for community engagement, he soon ascended to the role of Chief Pharmacist and Manager at another independent pharmacy in Laurens, where he honed crucial skills that would serve him well in the future. Fast forward to July 1981, and he took a leap of faith, opening Adair Apothecary after renting a house from two local doctors. Just a year later, he purchased the building and turned his dreams into reality.

From Typewriters to Touchscreens

Back in the ’80s, things were quite different. Adair’s pharmacy began with typewriters and handwritten files, a far cry from the modern, fully computerized setup that we know today. Through all the changes and advancements in technology, one thing has remained constant: Adair’s commitment to his customers. For years, he fulfilled night-time prescription calls, showcasing his dedication to community service and accessibility.

In fact, he’s built relationships with customers that span generations, knowing about 99% of them by name. It’s this personal touch that he believes has kept Adair Apothecary thriving in a challenging pharmacy landscape.

As Adair transitions to a new phase of life, he is passing the torch to David Burroughs, a familiar face who once worked there during high school. While Adair will officially retire, he plans to stay in the game by working one or two days a week as a relief pharmacist, ensuring he’s still around his cherished customers.

A Fond Farewell to Berley’s Pharmacy

Employees and customers alike have shared their touching stories and congratulations as Lindler moves into retirement, another example of how closely pharmacy professionals integrate into the fabric of community life.

The Journey of Howard Holmquist

55 years at Burwell Pharmacy in Nebraska. Initially aiming for a teaching career, Holmquist jumped into the pharmacy field thanks to encouragement from a local pharmacist. After graduating, he quickly established roots in Burwell, becoming a staple in the community by actively participating in local organizations like the Burwell Chamber of Commerce.

Through the years, Holmquist has witnessed numerous changes in the pharmacy, from evolving technology to the growth and development of the community. Even as he sets aside his pharmacist coat, he plans to stay involved—holding onto his pharmacist license so he can help out when needed.

It’s clear that for all these pharmacists, it’s been about more than just filling prescriptions; it’s been about serving a community they truly care about. As they step into this new chapter of their lives, the memories, relationships, and legacy they’ve built will surely live on in the hearts of their customers.