On Wednesday July 18, TerryWhite Chemmart Narangba hosted a special event in honour of the late Laurence ‘Laurie’ Menadue, Narangba’s dearly departed postie.
Attended by family, friends and a number of Laurie’s clients, the event was held to dedicate the pharmacy’s Consis robotic dispenser in memory of Laurie, with the machine now displaying a plaque bearing his name.
Officiating proceedings was Terry White AO, Deputy Chairman of the Terry White Group, who said, “It is my great pleasure to be here today to celebrate and remember a lovely man. As you all know, Laurie was our local postie, and had a special relationship with all our team here.
“It’s a real privilege for us that Laurie’s family have allowed us to name this new machine after him, and I think all of us should remember that people like Laurie are the people that make communities work, and we as a business are very determined to retain our links in the community.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Laurie’s wife Heatherlee said, “To our family and friends, this [dedication] means the world to us. While Laurence was in hospital he had a down day, and he was saying, ‘I don’t think many people will come to my funeral’. I said, ‘What? You’re nuts! The whole of Narangba loves you including all the dogs, and not only that, TerryWhite Narangba is thinking of naming their dispensing machine after you’. Laurence was overawed by it all, that somebody would think that much of him.
“As I look at everybody here who has listened to him and enjoyed having Laurence deliver their parcels, I thank each and every one of you for embracing Laurence and for naming this machine after him and remembering him, because in our family he’ll always be with us in our hearts and our minds.”
The occasion doubled as a farewell for Pharmacist, Lorraine Walker, who was departing for the Canary Islands, Spain, the next day to perform ten months field service for Mercy Ships, a global charity that operates hospital ships in developing nations. Especially close to Laurie, it was Lorraine’s idea to name the dispenser after him.
Addressing the gathered guests, staff and Lorraine, Pharmacy Owner Chris Campbell, said, “Lorraine has been working in the business and connecting with the community for thirteen years, and in that time she’s made a phenomenal difference to so many people’s lives. To go and work on the Mercy Ships and do what you’re doing Lorraine is a true inspiration, and I’m inspired by you. Thank you so much for all you’ve done.”