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At 93 years young, Warkworth resident Jim Sonerson had no thoughts of retirement. That was until knee surgery earlier this year forced a change of plan.
After 17 years of delivering prescriptions for Harts Pharmacy, he has called it a day.
“I just want to thank all the wonderful people I have worked with, customers and colleagues that I have had the pleasure of being associated with over the years,” he said.
During his years at the pharmacy, Jim was responsible for delivering medication to many elderly people around the district, many of whom lived alone and for whom he was often the only point of contact.
“My role was to deliver their medication, but I would also make them a cup of tea or simply listen if they needed someone to talk to,” he said.
Born in Australia, Jim moved to New Zealand in his late 30s and worked in the rural sector. He later ran a courier business for 12 years and was even a professional ice skater.
He says he still has many projects ahead of him and once he has recovered from his knee surgery, he would like to return to doing charity bike rides.
“Warkworth has been wonderful to me. I have lived in different places, but this is my home. It’s my place – I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Pharmacist Brendan Hart says he’s sorry to be losing “the boy”.
“So many years of hard work is admirable and his absence will definitely be felt.”
Brendan says the delivery service will continue, but will probably be done in-house.
