Last public appearance for J.P. Patches (Chris Wedes of Edmonds) is Saturday

The familiar, friendly face of J.P. Patches waves into his ICU2-TV at the History House of Greater Seattle during a recent visit to the rebuilt J.P. Patches set there. His show on KIRO-TV ran from 1958 to 1981, and the popular clown has remained a fan favorite. (Mike Siegel/The Seattle Times)

Cancer — and four years of treatment for it — have taken a toll on his strength, stamina and mobility. But that’s not what Chris Wedes wants to talk about, reports our online news partner, The Seattle Times. Instead, this 83-year-old Edmonds man wants to say how grateful he is for the support he’s received from people whose lives have been touched by the character Wedes has brought to life for more than half a century: J.P. Patches.

“I get emails every day,” he said. “People write, ‘I hope you feel better, J.P. We’re praying for you.’ ”

Some of the recent messages have been sparked by word that this weekend, Wedes will make what he expects to be his final public appearance as the tattered clown he played on KIRO-TV from 1958 to 1981, and at countless community events since.

You can read the complete story by Jack Broom here.

  1. You made my childhood so happy and complete!!! You will be missed!!! God bless you and may your days be as happy as those of all of us that you touched!!!

  2. The year, 1958…..What special times we had, you & I together, as I sat on the floor at age 7, glued to the old black & white TV. I waited…..patiently……each day…….for that TV to start. I loved watching you & all the rest of the cast as you all made me laugh so!! May God bless you with all the smiles & joy you’ve brought to my life as well as others aka your “Patches Pals”.

  3. JP you have been a major influence to so many of us. You are my hero, not only because of your show, but because of what you have done for me as an adult. Birthday parties… the best ever! and visiting me in the hospital and calling me on the phone while I was there. You were the BEST medicine! Thank you!!!

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