The man best known as J.P. Patches, Chris Wedes of Edmonds, died Sunday after a long battle with cancer, our online news partner The Seattle Times reported.
The Times said that Mr. Wedes, 84, died Sunday morning. On television from 1958 to 1981, and in countless personal appearances since, Mr. Wedes delighted generations of Puget Sound area children and adults with his zany antics and a style that was irreverent yet gentle, The Times said.
Mr. Wedes’ death was confirmed by Robert L. Newman, who played Mr. Wedes’ sidekick, “Gertrude.”
“Everyone remembers him,” Newman said. “He left such a mark. He will never be forgotten.”
You read the Times’ obituary of Mr. Wedes here.
Forever a Patches Pal!
My first son was given a patches pal jacket when he was very young
I was in a interior decorating class with Joan
The two of you will always be in our hearts. Thanks for the memories
Love,
Joan
Like many folks, I too remember my childhood memories of JP but I was fortunate to also have “adult” memories of him. My first encounter was in the early 70’s when I was picked to play Santa Claus at the company Christmas party (yes back then you could say “Christmas” and “party” in the same phrase). I was a little intimidated to go out and face 300 kids on stage with JP Patches and Gertrude. JP sensed my nervousness and told me to follow him. I was a Patches Pal so of course I did as he said. When we left the bar three scotches later I was, in his words, properly prepared !
Decades later our paths would cross again in Edmonds as he and I appeared at many events together during my years as mayor. He was no different then as he was during his tv career. Friendly, charming and giving. He still delighted in his ability to make people laugh. Literally every time we saw each other, he would ask where my Patches Pal button was. And each time he gave me a new one. I’ll treasure them always.
As fellow mayors, he of City Dump and me of Edmonds, we had a special bond. I loved the fact that he lived in Edmonds. Our last encounter came in a local restaurant where he was the featured speaker, in street clothes no less. I was a surprise visitor to make a presentation to him. When I walked in I almost didn’t recognize him in “normal” clothes, he was dressed up as Chris Wedes not JP. That day I presented him with a key to the City. I had to share with him that while I was honored to present him with a key, we really didn’t have a key to the City but I found a key on the street as I was walking to the restaurant so I presented him with that one. He said that as mayor of City Dump he appreciated the resourcefulness!
As he battled his illness, his public appearances in Edmonds decreased but the joy he has left us will live on forever.My thoughts are with his family and I extend my thanks to them for sharing him with us for so many happy years.
When I came to Washington, I was in my teens. In a way, JP Patches was my friend. I never really knew him or met him. I didn’t have a lot of friends yet. I’d turn on the TV and there he was.