Patrick – 87, CHSP client

Patrick’s youthful energy and charm belie his 87 years. Born in South Africa to a Dutch mother and Chinese father, he calls himself a “mixed bag.” Since moving to Australia in 2007, he has returned to South Africa only twice.​

​He started his music career in 1956 as a backing vocalist for a group called The Bel Aires. He played guitar in another band that was building success until the band leader bolted with their earnings. He then founded Liberty Sound and Vision, a disco and sound equipment company, which he ran from his garage for 15 years.​

When Patrick came to Australia, he found work as a handyman until arthritis affected his hands. After joining a Seniors Club, he started performing again, leading to regular gigs and reviving his passion for music.​

Patrick and his wife, Eunice, loved attending concerts by jazz legends like Englebert Humperdink and Michael Buble. Eunice now has dementia, and Patrick is her full-time carer. He says, “Your Side is the best thing that has happened to us. Otherwise, we’d just be sitting at home looking at each other.”​

​Despite arthritis and carpel tunnel preventing him from playing guitar, Patrick continues to sing accompanied by backing tracks. He finds joy in entertaining others and credits music for keeping him young at heart.