Late Bunbury Drive-In Chemist founder Bob Schurmann remembered for community service and great humour

A pharmacist who served the Bunbury community for more than 45 years is being remembered for going the extra mile, alongside his good sense of humour. Bob Schurmann, who alongside his wife Monica founded the Bunbury Drive-In Chemist, died last week aged 85, leaving a lasting legacy in the city. Born to parents Eileen and John Schurmann in Perth, Bob spent his younger years moving around WA due to his father’s job with the Commonwealth Bank. The family eventually settled in Geraldton after Bob finished high school, where he met his first wife Sandra — the mother of three of his children. He became a pharmacist in 1958 and opened up Bob Schurmann’s Chemist in the late 1960s, which would become his first. While in Geraldton, Mr Schurmann met his lasting love Monica, with whom he had eight children. The couple arrived in Bunbury in 1976 for a six-month stint at Friendlies Chemist, a move which became permanent. Following work for Friendlies in Three Springs, Dalwallinu and Australind, the Schurmanns opened Bunbury Drive-In Chemist in 1982 on the site of the current Retravision store. It became a family affair, with his wife, children, daughter-in-law and granddaughter working at the pharmacy over the years. Bob’s daughter Eileen is now a pharmacist herself. But it was not only family who Mr Schurmann cared for. A number of the chemist’s staff have been with the business since it started, while he considered many customers to be friends. Mr Schurmann supported Bunbury Hospital by being available 24 hours a day during the business’ early years, while the extended opening hours every day of the year allowed customers to be served whenever they needed help. Bob and Monica bought the current chemist site in 1999 and continued operating the business until they sold it last year. An avid learner, Bob joined his son Paul in completing a Bachelor of Computer Science in 1993 before becoming a barrister in 1998. He also lived life to fullest, enjoying hobbies including farming, hockey and rowing. In 2013, he completed the Kakoda Trail with son John at age 74. Bob was well known for his humour, always being quick with a comment or a comeback. He would often tell people he was 21 years old. Mr Schurmann is survived by his wife Monica, 11 children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held from 12pm on July 26 at the Bunbury Crematorium, with members of the public welcome to attend.