Tick Klock Drug changes ownership

COLFAX - Owners of local business Tick Klock Drug, Mark and Robyn Johnson, are transitioning ownership of their business to their son and daughter in-law, Nathan and Kim Johnson, on Jan. 1, 2023.

The Johnson family has owned Tick Klock Drug since 1966. Mark and Robyn purchased the store from Mr. Johnson's parents, Lloyd and Joyce Johnson July, 1, 1987 who had purchased it from Lawrence "Tick" Klock and his wife Nadine.

Tick Klock Drug was located in the former Lippitt building, where the Whitman County Library is located, when Klock started his own pharmacy in 1951. The business was relocated to its current location in the Dreifus Building, which formerly had housed Raugust Hardware, when the building burnt down in 1957.

Klock co-owned pharmacies in St. John, Ritzville, Harrington, Wilbur, St. Maries, and Coeur D' Alene. In addition to Tick's, there were four pharmacies in operation when the Johnson's came to Colfax.

The Bob Grady family operated Grady Drug, which closed in 1970. Roger Edgren family operated The Elk Drug Store, which closed in 1992. The Ken Cox family operated Hamilton Drug Store, closing in 2006.

There has been a decrease in the number of independent pharmacies nationwide due to restricted networks and decreased reimbursements, with insurance companies being the primary source of payment for medications.

"We have been so fortunate to have received incredible support from the residents of Colfax and Whitman County, and to be associated with outstanding medical care from Whitman Community Hospital and the providers of Whitman Medical Group," said Mr. Johnson.

The Johnson's have increased the overall footprint of the business with expansions into buildings on both sides allowing them to offer a wider selection of merchandise. Mrs. Johnson, retired 8 years ago after 31 years of teaching elementary education, the last 24 being Kindergarten at Jennings Elementary.

According to Mr. Johnson this has taken the children and baby section to a new level. A large selection of women's apparel, kitchenware, home décor, and seasonal gifts have been added over the years.

"It has been amazing the number of people from larger areas who travel here to shop with us," Johnson said, "We have several groups who circle their calendar to come for our Holiday Open House event in November and many frequent the other merchants in town also," he said, adding that they are thankful to the Colfax Chamber of Commerce for promoting the event, as well as an the employees over the years who have helped the business grow.

"We're sure Nathan & Kim will continue to rely on them for advice and in providing top notch professional service," Johnson said noting that the pharmacy profession has continued to change so much over the years and in order to provide excellent care, requiring highly trained and caring people.

The Johnson's son, Nathan Johnson, graduated Colfax High School in 2007, and obtained his undergraduate degree at Whitworth University, and his pharmacy doctorate at WSU in 2018. His wife, Kim Johnson, was raised on a family farm in Warden Washington. Graduating in 2009, attending WSU she received her master's in speech and language pathology in 2015. They relocated from Napa, California before settling back on the Palouse the fall of 2020 with their 18 month year old baby girl, Birdie.

"I'm not sure my parents really thought about any legacy when they bought the business from "Tick" over 56 years ago," Mr. Johnson said, "but growing up they did always give thanks for the opportunity to come to Colfax, raise a family, and serve the community, and I know for Robyn & I, we feel so blessed to have been able to live that dream and we're sure Nathan & Kim feel the same."

The Johnsons plan be around to help if they're needed, but are hoping to enjoy their lake home in Pend Orielle, and some trips. They have three other children. Angela, a part time physical therapist at Whitman Hospital, and Jacob Anderson and their four kids. Matthew, a partner with MDK and J law firm, and Tayler Johnson, who helps with social media at Tick Klock, and their 3 boys. Rachel Johnson, and her husband Nate Zarowny live in Spokane, and recently added a grandchild to the family.

Tick Klock drug is planning a cake and punch customer appreciation day, Tuesday, January 10th and an opportunity to offer thanks and best wishes to the Johnson family.