Joeseph Patrick

Joe’s daughter Sue writes:

Joe was born on the 8th of November 1937, in Hull, Yorkshire. At the tender age of just eight years old, he lost his mother in a tragic accident. Despite this life changing loss, or maybe because of it, he developed great resilience, huge independence, and strength of character. After his mother’s passing, Joe attended Drax boarding school. It was at Drax that his natural talents began to shine.

He became Head Boy, excelled in athletics, running and rugby. He was also always chosen for the star role in the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas that the school performed each year.

In 1956, at RAF Cranwell, during one of the local dances he met a young lady named Daphne. They fell in love quickly and soon after they married, beginning a devoted partnership that would last an incredible 67 years. After two years at Cranwell, he left to start a new career. Despite spending a relatively short term in the service Joe never forgot about Cranwell and frequently reminisced about his time there. Joe moved to Wales with Daphne and their baby twins (later they had a son). Joe started work as a trainee marketing manager in the steel industry, he truly excelled and rose through the ranks to become Head of Global Sales. His work took him all over the world.

Joe had lots of hobbies - he continued to play rugby well into his forties and was made Captain of Risca Rugby club. He gained his Yacht Master’s qualification in his early forties and started going on sailing holidays taking the family. Joe had a beautiful voice – his voice was so good that in his thirties Janet Misokki, the lead voice coach at the Welsh School of Music (who later coached Charlotte Church) gave him singing lessons and he performed at amateur events.

After forty though Joe’s biggest passion was Bridge. He played for Newport and Cardiff Bridge clubs and then Nailsea club and Kingston Seymour Club. Joe was very proud of representing Wales Seniors at Bridge and received his Grand Masters award for Bridge a few years ago. Joe also played Golf in his later years at Newport Golf club and Clifton and Bristol Golf club.