Celebrating Over 40 Years: A Farewell to Colleen Brockbank

After more than four decades of dedication, laughter, and hard work, Colleen Brockbank is saying goodbye to the West Winds Primary Health Centre as she embarks on a well-earned retirement. Her journey, which began in 1984 as a Clerk 1, has been long and impactful, leaving a lasting mark along the way.

The Early Days

Colleen's first day at work in Family Medicine (at the Royal University Hospital, which was a part of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan) was Monday, August 20, 1984. Starting as a receptionist, she quickly became familiar with the ins and outs of the department—though the filing system gave her a bit of a shock. “I remember looking at all those files and thinking, ‘I’m never going to get this done!’” she laughs.

Her career saw many title changes, moving from Clerk 3 through the University’s classification phases before settling into her role as Clinic Manager in 1992. Over the years, she witnessed incredible growth. What was once a small team of a few doctors and nurses has now expanded into a full department with multiple sites across Saskatchewan.

When asked what kept her working in Family Medicine for nearly 41 years, Colleen’s answer is simple – she genuinely loves her job. She has embraced the challenges along the way and, most importantly, has truly enjoyed the people she’s worked with. “Sure, there are challenges, but if today’s a bad day, tomorrow is a new one,” she says.

Beyond the work itself, the relationships she built played a significant role in her long tenure. “Dr. Vivian Ramsden, or ‘Viv’ as we call her, has been an incredible supporter and mentor,” she shares. “And I’ve really enjoyed working with too many others to begin to mention - I’ll miss them a lot.”

"Colleen is more than just a manager—she is like a second mom to me. Her kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness made an impact on my life in ways I’ll always be grateful for. I was blessed to be part of her team. She helped me grow both personally and professionally. Colleen has the purest, kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever met, and she always puts others first. I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life as both a mentor and friend." - Jalene Jepson

Memories, Laughter, and Lessons Learned

Over the years, Colleen Brockbank has accumulated a wealth of stories, though she teases that many of them “probably shouldn’t be repeated.” Her husband often tells her she should write a book, and given her 41-year career, she likely has enough material for several volumes!

Through all the changes—technological advancements, department growth, and evolving roles—she has maintained a few core beliefs: “Be respectful to everyone. Be honest. And don’t let the small stuff get to you.”

If she could go back to give herself advice on her first day? “Don’t be scared,” she says. “Starting something new can be intimidating, but every experience teaches you something. From day one, I’ve always made an effort to treat people the way I’d want to be treated.”

Looking Ahead to Retirement

Although Colleen found herself pushing retirement back over the years, she now feels good about stepping away after 41 years. “I love family medicine and the connections I’ve made with so many residents and staff,” she says. “I’m even in the retiree club now!”

As Colleen looks ahead to retirement, she’s most excited about the freedom to set her own pace. “At work, I have a schedule and tasks to complete. At home, I might say, ‘I’ll do this tomorrow’—and then I don’t!” she laughs. “But I might only miss that structure for a little while.”

She’s looking forward to sleeping in—though she jokes that despite struggling to wake up on weekdays, she’s still up at 5:30 on Saturdays. More than anything, she’s excited to spend time with family and travel.

She’s also looking forward to spending more time with her growing family, which includes two sons and four grandchildren. And travel is definitely on the horizon, with dreams of a European train adventure, starting in Scotland and maybe making its way to Italy.

To her colleagues, Colleen leaves behind a simple yet powerful message:
“Be kind to everyone and treat people the way you want to be treated.”

After 41 years of dedication to Family Medicine, it’s safe to say that Colleen Brockbank has left a lasting impression and impacted many lives. While she may no longer be in the office, her influence will be felt for years to come. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter—may it be filled with adventure, relaxation, and, of course, the occasional sleep-in!