Tribute: Michael Peter Ruxton

Mike attended De La Salle Grammar School in Liverpool. His interest in pharmacy commenced when he undertook a pre-graduate apprenticeship at Boots in 1961, after which he decided to study pharmacy at the Liverpool School of Pharmacy. Mike first registered with the then Pharmaceutical Society in 1966.

From 1966 to 1971, he worked for Stephensons Chemists and Em-Ess Chemists in Liverpool; Thomas’s Chemist in Garstang, Lancashire; and operated as a locum.

Following this, Mike decided to venture into medical sales, working for Duphar Industries along Lancashire’s Fylde coast and Cumbria. He progressed into clinical research, designing several trials and handling medical queries. In 1976, he became area manager for Duphar Industries, later to become regional business manager, liaising with independent medical advisers across two national health regions.

In 1991, Mike joined Lloyds Chemists as district manager, tasked with improving dispensing standards in several retail pharmacies in the North West. In 1994, he moved to Pomfret Chemists near Preston, to open a new retail pharmacy.

Mike was an excellent manager, renowned for his sense of humour. He had an eagle eye for detail and he was acutely perceptive when it came to medical conditions.

After retiring, Mike became a committed member of the Comensus (Community Engagement and Service User Support) group at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and, for many years, shared his health and life experiences to help train pharmacy and medical students. His ability to give feedback to students with good humour enabled him to deliver vital messages in a positive way.

Part of his legacy will be the knowledge that he contributed to enhancing the healthcare profession, encouraging a truly patient-centred approach from UCLan graduates.

Outside work, Mike enjoyed music, singing for a local band and working as a DJ at a local club. He was a regular at the Plough at Eaves, a local pub, where there was always a glass of whisky waiting for him on the bar. Throughout a period of ill health, he maintained his zest for life and his interest in everyone around him. He was devoted to his wife Sue and very proud of his daughter Jill, son Peter, grandson Ben and granddaughter Alyssa.

Mike will be missed by many and always fondly remembered.

Sue Ruxton