Changing of the white coats at Boyd’s Family Pharmacy

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

There’s been a changing of the white coats at Boyd’s Family Pharmacy in Castle Dale. Westin Winn will be the new resident pharmacist while Boyd Nielson will retire after 41 years in the pharmacy business.
Nielson said, “I grew up in Huntington and graduated from Emery High. I spent two years in the Delaware mission. I graduated from the College of Eastern Utah with highest honors. I was the outstanding life science student and I hadn’t yet determined what I wanted to do. My interest and talent were in that area, so that’s what I decided to do. I spent one year at Brigham Young University doing my pre-requisites and finished Pharmacy school at the University of Utah. I always knew I wanted to come back to Emery County if I had the chance. I began my career in pharmacy in 1975 as a new student in the pharmacy program of University of Utah.
After graduation I worked at the Skaggs Pharmacy in Price and Conover Pharmacy in Castle Dale. I decided in 1985 to dive into ownership. That decision rewarded me with 31 years that I am deeply grateful for. Boyd’s opened for business on Aug. 20, 1985. Now after 41 years in pharmacy, I feel it is right to conclude my career and to retire. As I do so, many emotions have surfaced. First and foremost, I will miss the close associations I have had with employees and the many loyal customers over the years. It is to these loyal customers I owe my success. In the pharmacy business, you face many challenges, but always my loyal customers have encouraged me to carry on and have given me the chance to earn their loyalty. I can’t thank these customers enough.
“But in leaving the business, I want the opportunity to pass the baton to someone else and give them the same opportunities I have had doing business here in Emery County,” said Nielson.
Nielson married his wife Mary Ellen Brockbank three months before he started pharmacy school. They have five children and 13 grandchildren with another one due soon. In retirement he would like to spend more time with the grandchildren. He would also like to do more family history research. He enjoys taking care of the yard and gardening. He loves to serve and be involved in his church and community. He and his wife Mary Ellen are looking towards some type of mission if her health will allow it.
Winn started in Boyd’s Pharmacy as a clerk and while in pharmacy school he interned during the summers with Nielson.
Winn said, “I am returning home to Emery County to be the new manager of Boyd’s Family Pharmacy in Castle Dale. My parents are Kash and Valarie Winn. I grew up in Ferron. I learned how to work hard with my family on the family ranch. I graduated from Emery High. I served for two years in Paraguay as an LDS missionary. I learned Spanish as a second language. I will be able to use these language skills in the business as well.
“I attended Snow College and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. I was vice-president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. From Snow, I attended Roseman University of Health Science. I received highest rankings in my class and received my Doctorate of Pharmacy degree, PharmD in 2013.
“During my years of internship at Boyd’s, I learned a great deal about the business. I met many of the community members served by Boyd’s. After graduation I spent the past four years in the Ogden and Payson areas working as a pharmacist.
“Pharmacy has evolved over the years. We have learned many new skills to help with overall patient care. I have been certified to administer vaccinations, compound medications, medication therapy manager and other areas to better assist our customers.
“I am really looking forward to being home again with family and friends. I love being outdoors with my family. I like to take trips to the mountains and ride. I always wanted to return home and I was hopeful I could. I will most likely live in Ferron,” said Winn.
Nielson said, “Right now we are in a transition phase. Westin has a lot of good ideas and there will be some good changes. But, mostly it will be business as usual, taking care of our customers the best way we know how. I believe it is healthy for our community to have a locally owned pharmacy. There isn’t a better formula to ensure a high level of service and benefits to our area. Our area is capable of providing more much needed jobs as pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and clerks. Jobs that are presently going elsewhere, because we fill our prescriptions somewhere else. Insurances will pressure you to use a mail order facility. But, the promised savings are often misrepresented and overstated. Local pharmacies offer better service for less money. I hope our local community will continue to support local business. I wish Westin luck in beginning this new phase of his career. He is on the cutting edge of new ideas to improve pharmacy.”
Winn said, “Pharmacy is constantly evolving. We are more active now in the health of a patient and provide additional services. We help the patient manage their medication and watch for interactions between any medications they might be taking. We help to resolve their concerns. We offer advice on over the counter medications when customers need help resolving more simple health problems. Pharmacists are an additional resource.”
Nielson said, “I appreciate the good working relationship we’ve had with the Emery Medical Center over the years. I appreciate the school district working with their insurance company to allow us to be a local provider. Many insurance companies now offer on-line pharmacies and expect everyone to use them. Patients need the option to be able to buy local and pick up their medications at home. We are committed to take care of our people and be a service to the community.”
Boyd’s Family Pharmacy is open from 9 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday; They are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. Their phone number is 381-5464. Boyd’s employs 13 full and part-time workers.