By David Pinto
It would be a serious error not to spend a few moments recalling and reminiscing over the laudatory life of Elayne Kwait, who passed away after a long and debilitating illness in the final days of August. The point in this instance is not to remember, fondly, the exemplary life she led while standing faithfully by the side of her husband Bob, as she assisted that exemplary merchant in forging one of the legendary chain drug careers. Rather, it is not so much to remember the woman as to recall her role in putting an indelible stamp on chain drug retailing in the 20th century, a period that will long be remembered as the halcyon time in the industry’s rise to retail prominence.
Those hundreds of relatives and friends who came to Cleveland in late August to say goodbye to Elayne and participate in the memorial burial service included more than a few past and present members of the chain drug community of which she was a vital part. As was inevitable, the pre- and post-service recollections revolved around shared experiences, fond memories and never-to-be-forgotten moments when Elayne was a center of attention and attraction, a presence always anticipated and never forgotten.
That she was always there, sometimes a centerpiece, occasionally a supporting player, was who Elayne Kwait was. As attendees remarked at her funeral, she constantly enjoined people in need of support to wear lipstick and sunglasses. To Elayne Kwait, that was always the perfect outfit for the occasion, regardless of the occasion.
But if Elayne is to be appropriately recognized and remembered, it will not be for who she was but rather for what she represented. Like so many other chain drug partners, like Ellen Levin and Sherry Heller and Gerry Fantle, like Faye Panasci and Nancy Ziegler and Helen Bolger, like Peggy Harrison and Joy Weinstein and Gerry Genovese, like Kathy Ryan and Lee Ann Merlo, like so many others whose presence was more than an ornamental touch but rather was a necessity, the icing on the cake, the period at the end of the sentence.
Elayne Kwait. Did Bob ever appear without her? Not once. Until now. Would he ever have dreamed of showing up without her? Not a chance. “Hi Bob. Where’s Elayne?” It was the universal greeting at industry events throughout the year, throughout the decades, throughout much of the 20th century.
Until now.
Is Elayne’s passing the end of an era? Not really. That era — the chain drug era — ended for many of its participants some years ago. Though, in truth, for others it will never end. One of those for whom the chain drug industry will always linger is Bob Kwait, the industry icon who time will never forget. But will it be the same? Not for Bob Kwait. And certainly not for those multitudes who sought Elayne out at each and every industry meeting. And invariably located her.
After all, she was always easy to find. That’s her over there — the striking blond with the lipstick and sunglasses. The young lady Bob asked to dance with when both were … 15? 16? 17?
Who can remember. That was sooo long ago.•
