The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7206 p84
13 July 2002

Joe Wright

On 6 July, Joseph Wright, OBE, FRPharmS, of 16 Wynchgate, London N21 1QU. Mr Wright registered in 1941.

He was a former director of the National Pharmaceutical Association and former chief executive of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee. He was a recipient of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Charter gold medal.

Joe Wright registered first as a chemist and druggist, after a community pharmacy apprenticeship in Blackpool. During the 1939–45 war he served in the Royal Air Force, and in 1944 was commissioned as a wireless navigator in RAF Coastal Command. In 1947, after two years' study at Chelsea school of pharmacy, he qualified as a pharmaceutical chemist and joined the staff of the pharmaceutical section of the Ministry of Health.

In 1948 he moved to the then National Pharmaceutical Union. A year working with the NPU's founder secretary, George Mallinson, led to his appointment as assistant secretary. After three years' study in his own time he was called to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1952. He was made deputy secretary of the NPU in 1955 and in 1961 he succeeded Harry Noble as secretary of the NPU Group of Organisations.

In 1962 he was instrumental in forming a liaison committee with the National Association of Shopfitters to devise ways of advising members on modernising their pharmacies. Out of this grew the NPU's pharmacy planning department. His next target was training, and 1963 saw the introduction of a complete course of training leaflets issued in monthly instalments. In 1966, he oversaw the move of the NPU to larger premises which allowed it to provide a range of new services and set up NPU Marketing Ltd, of which he became director. In 1969 he was behind the establishment of the NPU's interfirm comparison department, which enabled members to review their business performance in the light of the achievement of others in similar turnover groups. He was also involved in the admission to NPA membership of Scottish Pharmaceutical Federation and Ulster Chemists Association members.

In 1971 he was named director of the NPU Group, which by then comprised the National Pharmaceutical Association Ltd, the Chemists Defence Association Ltd, the Pharmacy Mutual Insurance Co Ltd, the Pharmaceutical and General Provident Society, NPU Ltd (trading as NPA Services) and NPU Holdings Ltd. He was to remain director of the NPA until his retirement in 1981.

From the start of his career with the NPU he was involved in the work of its Central NHS (Chemist Contractors) Committee — the forerunner of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee. He became assistant secretary to the committee in 1949, deputy secretary in 1953 and secretary in 1961. When the committee became the PSNC in 1975, he was the first to hold the new post of chief executive, an appointment he held until 1977, when he became consultant to the committee.

In 1976 he was elected chairman of the Trade and Professional Alliance, a campaigning organisation with a membership of 32 trade and professional associations.

His many activities outside the NPA included service on the Pharmaceutical Society's panel of fellows and general practice subcommittee. He also served on the Poisons Board, the Standing Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee and the board of management of the National Chamber of Trade.

He was made OBE in the 1978 New Year honours list and in 1980 was awarded the Pharmaceutical Society's Charter gold medal for his outstanding service in promoting the interests of pharmacy.

Joe Wright leaves a widow, Margaretta ("Peggy"), who is a retired hospital pharmacist. His death comes less than six months before they were to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary. (Tribute.)

Funeral: The funeral will be held on 17 July at 12.30pm at St Michael and All Angels Church, Gordon Hill, London N21. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Royal National Institute of the Blind or the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.

Tribute

Wright In a tribute to the late Joseph Wright, BILL and ANN DARLING write:

We were saddened to learn of the death of Joe Wright, a man dedicated to the advancement of independent community pharmacy. Joe always listened to and considered every point of view while always aiming for his goal of moving community pharmacy forward. He was a redoubtable fighter with a clear vision of the best way forward for his members. Although he was an extremely courteous man, he never pulled any punches in an argument.

Joe had unflagging energy and a warm, genial personality that touched all who came into contact with him. He was particularly good with children, and his conjuring tricks and gentle manner soothed many a fractious child. Perhaps his secret was that he genuinely enjoyed the company of people of all ages.

He had an enormous sense of humour and it was always a pleasure to spend time in his company. We had great respect for his opinions and for the fact that he did much for his chosen profession. We extend our sympathy to his family.