A longstanding family pharmacy is changing hands to a familiar face in the business.
Stonewall Pharmacy will change ownership on Dec. 31 from Darlene Appleyard to pharmacist Trevor Johnson, who has worked at the business for the past eight years.
The business began in July 1950 when pharmacist Don Appleyard launched the pharmacy on Main Street in partnership with his university classmate Ken Reavie and with financial backing from his father, Hugh Appleyard. A couple years later, Ken had the chance to open a pharmacy in Russell, so Don assumed full ownership of the Stonewall shop.
While Don worked long hours at the drug store, his wife Pat supported his efforts on the home front.
Over time, their son Vern followed in Don’s pharmaceutical footsteps and joined the family business. After Don’s retirement, Vern took over the family pharmacy. Vern and his wife Darlene further embraced their entrepreneurial spirit with several other business ventures, including Buck or Two franchises, a Christmas store at The Forks and multiple Hallmark stores.
After Vern died in 2021, Darlene continued to run Stonewall Pharmacy and now she’s preparing for the next chapter of ownership.
“Handing over the reins to Trevor is something Vern had envisioned. It was something that he was looking towards, and I have followed through with that.
I’m very content in my decision,” Darlene said.
“Trevor has the same commitment to customers, community and employees, and that is what I want to make sure is carried on. He respects the 73-year history of the pharmacy as well, and that’s very important to me — to make sure that the customers and the employees will be respected.”
A curio cabinet in the pharmacy’s waiting area showcases snippets of the company’s history, including the original cash registers, scales and scrip labels.
“The history is really important, as well the customers and customer service,” Darlene said.
“I know that Trevor feels the same way and that’s what I want. I want that small-town feeling to continue.”
Many families have been customers of Stonewall Pharmacy for generations, and those connections form the crux of company.
“Right now, I do the deliveries myself because it enables me to connect with those people who don’t get out anymore and let them know that they are still important to us. That’s a big part of it to me. When I knock on the door and poke my head in and say ‘It’s me,’ they know who I am,” Darlene said.
“Even after the change of ownership, I still am going to do deliveries because sometimes it’s the best part of my day. I’m going to be around for Trevor to make sure that the transition goes smoothly and he’s comfortable. I’ll still be here as long as he needs me, and then I’ll decide what I’m going to do next.”
As for Trevor, he’s excited about the upcoming opportunity.
“Stonewall Pharmacy has been a staple in the community for almost 74 years, and I feel honoured to be a part of that,” he said. “We have a great team of dedicated staff who value our commitment to serving the community.”
He also expressed gratitude for the family that’s embraced him as one of their own.
“The Appleyard family has been a pillar of Stonewall, and I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with both Vern and Darlene. They have always emphasized the importance of customer service because, ultimately, it’s about the people,” Trevor said.
“The people are what make Stonewall such a great town. I’m excited to continue the legacy of Stonewall Pharmacy and look forward to serving the community into the future.”
