Current & Past Articles » General News

Lai celebrated upon retirement after 38 years

April 24, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Sheralyn Roman

Dedicated Caledon East pharmacist Samuel Lai is retiring after 38 years serving patients from behind the counter.

The momentous occasion was celebrated by co-workers, the many community members he has supported, and by Mayor Annette Groves and Councillor Mario Russo who stopped in to offer their sincerest thanks on behalf of a grateful community.

Mr. Lai has been a pharmacist for 40 years in total and has watched the community grow over the course of his 38 years at the “top of the hill” in Caledon East.

It was evident how beloved Sam is as a trusted health advisor by the many residents and patients who stopped in with cards, well-wishes and even hugs. Long serving employee Lina Salvatore (who has worked together with Sam for over 30 years) coordinated the beautiful retirement party featuring plenty of food, a fabulous cake with “prescription” jelly beans, coffee and also a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming new owners Peter Hanna and Marina Aziz.

Asked what has kept Sam motivated throughout his career Mr. Lai explained it was “100% because of the customers and the community.”

He shared that serving Caledon East residents has been like being with family and he has enjoyed everything about being a part of this special community.

As for retiring now, he talked about the lasting impact of Covid and that he hasn’t really had a break for the past six years so it was just the right time to pass the torch.

Both Sam and Lina are ready to assure patients that the transition to pharmacists Peter and Marina will be a continuation of the same small-town, family feeling that has always been at the core of Caledon East Pharmacy and Peter and Marina both reiterated their intent to continue the tradition supporting local.

Toward the end of the celebration all staff gathered for a photo with Sam and more well-wishers stepped in for hugs and perhaps a tear or two was shed.

Congratulations and happy retirement Samuel Lai and welcome Peter Hanna and Marina Aziz.

         

Readers Comments (0)