Local pharmacist honoured as he retires after 40 years serving community

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Former co-workers, customers and friends gathered at Festival Plaza this weekend to cherish the impact a local pharmacist had on the community.

Staff organized a get-together to commemorate Mike Ortynsky’s retirement on Sunday, July 27th.

There was a congratulatory cake, a video montage about his life and career in the region, a guestbook and a lot of laughter as Ortynsky, slowed by health troubles in recent years, took pictures and spoke to well-wishers.

Ortynsky’s career in the Peace region spanned four decades – and the attendance at the event showed what impact he had on the community, as many people shared stories about him.

Take Ed Sgobbe, who has lived in Fort St. John since the 1970s and said Ortynsky went “above and beyond” in helping people, having known him “at least” 20 years.

“[Mike is] very knowledgeable about what’s going on,” said Sgobbe. “We ended up taking care of an elderly lady who was a client. He would [do] whatever she needed. He was very on the ball.”

Cory Hermans knew Ortynsky when he was a university student, and said the reception and attendance at Festival Plaza was “not what he expected.”

Hermans is currently a pharmacy manager at The Fort St. John Pharmacy and Wellness Centre.

“I don’t think we realize how much of an impact we make on people’s lives,” said Hermans. “We see it on a daily basis [such as saying], ‘I helped so and so today, and I helped so and so do this,’ but over a lifetime, over a career, I don’t think we really get the significance.

“When we see this [reception], it says it all. He’s not just a businessman, not just a healthcare practitioner. He’s a human who cares so much.”

Ortynsky moved to Fort St. John in 1989, managing a Circle Drug in the city before opening his own pharmacy in Tumbler Ridge a decade later.

The ownership group that grew from the first purchase, Health Team Holding Corporation, includes several pharmacies in B.C., including the Fort St. John Pharmacy and Wellness Centre.

Ortynsky was honoured by the BC Pharmacy Association in 2025 with a lifetime achievement award.

While Ortynsky was in attendance on Sunday, he currently lives in Vancouver following a series of health setbacks.

“We’ll miss him,” said retired nurse Patricia Emery. “I’m happy he’s able to retire to Vancouver, but his pharmacy continues.”

The celebration took place on Sunday, July 27th at Festival Plaza.