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Pharmacist's Caring Touched Many

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By MARK HOLAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 31, 2008

SUNSET PARK - From the elevated pharmacist platform, Ken Wurster could survey his store like a mayor overseeing the village square.

West Shore Pharmacy, which Wurster opened 20 years ago at 3206 S. West Shore Blvd., is more than a place to fill a prescription. It's a place to buy a greeting card, pay a utility bill or mail a letter - a spot where neighbors share life's triumphs and tribulations.

Until a few weeks ago, Wurster was usually at the center of the conversation.

"He was a big teddy bear," longtime customer Dorothy Gipson said. "He had a hug for everybody."
Wurster died May 18 at his home in Belleair after a bout with stomach cancer. He was 59.

His daughter Amanda, 30, will take over the independent pharmacy, which has about 15 employees.

"I have some very big shoes to fill to continue my father's legacy," she said.

Ken Wurster graduated from the University of Florida pharmacy school in 1972. He was a huge Gator booster and season ticket holder.

The Clearwater native spent his early career running franchise Shoppers Drug Mart stores in South Tampa and Pinellas Square Mall. He was a chief pharmacist for Medco in the mid-1980s.

"He really believed in making a difference in peoples' lives," his wife, Myra, said.

The couple met at Clearwater High School in 1967.

"He taught me how to drive," she said.

They married 37 years ago while students in Gainesville. They had three children: Amanda of Clearwater, Stephanie of New York and Kevin of Largo.

Wurster's first grandchild was born a few months ago and named for him.

"He'd do anything for anybody," said pharmacy manager Joy Baker, who first worked for Wurster at Pinellas Square Mall. "He wouldn't let somebody walk out of here without a prescription. He'd let them pay later."
Wurster worked at the store until two weeks before his death. He never got to see the oversized get-well card signed by dozens of his loyal customers.

"He put everyone ahead of himself," said pharmacist Maggie Cerra, a 10-year employee. "He was one of the most caring and compassionate people I've ever known. He always went the extra step."

Amanda Wurster said she doesn't plan to change her father's successful business plan at the store.

"It really has become a community meeting spot for a lot of folks," said former Tampa Tribune reporter Leland Hawes, a nearby resident. "The personal touch is what made the difference."

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com.

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