Jack retiring again

Jack Therrien is retiring again.

And, with retirement came one of his most prized possessions. It is a letter from the Blackfeet Nation at

Browning dated May 15, 2009 and signed by Willie A. Sharp, chairman, Blackfeet Tribal Business Council.

The letter states: "On behalf of the Blackfeet People, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you. Through your commitment to the health and well being of the people of the Blackfeet Reservation, you have made a positive impact. The Blackfeet Community Hospital will surely miss your presence and dedication at the Pharmacy Department.

Through your job, you have made many friends among the people. It is hoped that the time you spent among the Blackfeet will leave you with lasting fond memories."

Executive committee members named on the BLACKFEET NATION letterhead are Willie A. Sharp, chairman; Peter (Rusty) Tatsey, vice-chairman; Terry (TJ) Show, secretary; and Kenneth Augare, treasurer.

Blackfeet Tribal Business Council members are Willie A. Sharp, Peter (Rusty) Tatsey, Terry (TJ) Snow, Henry Butterfly, Reis Fisher, Rodney (Fish) Gervais, Paul J. McEvers, Ronald H. (Smiley) Kittson and Roger (Sassy) Running Crow.

Jack did not really retire after selling Jack's Pharmacy and Liquor Store in Columbia Falls in May, 2000. Instead, he became a relief pharmacist in drug stores throughout the area. Then came the opportunity to work at the Blackfeet Community Hospital in Browning.

Actually, the three years as a pharmacist in Browning is described by Jack as the longest temporary job he ever had.

What goes around comes around also describes pharmacists. Harold Clarke is full-time pharmacist at Blackfeet Community Hospital. Jack said Harold used to work for him in Columbia Falls and then Harold became his boss at Browning.

Jack started his Columbia Falls store Nov. 11, 1967. The location on Nucleus Avenue had been a drug store for years. J. W. Post was longtime owner/pharmacist when I moved to Columbia Falls in 1946.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Afseth were the next owners of the drug store. They sold it to Bud Schrock and Jack purchased it from Bud.

Jack helped start Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Flathead. He was an active supporter of youth baseball teams in Columbia Falls through the years. Jack is also a longtime member of Columbia Falls Lions Club.

Jack and his wife, Dodie, reside in the new home they built on 20 acres near Olney. Dodie is retired as director of the hot lunch program for School District 6.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News