The occasion wasn’t a funeral, but the dedication of a grave befitting the man and how he had served his country.

The story goes back to May 27, 1964 when Albert Patrick Patterson died. There were few mourners at his graveside, but those who were there, attended out of genuine love and respect for a truly caring man.

For many years his grave was neglected and swallowed up by anonymity. No headstone marked his resting place, and finally no visual evidence existed to bear testimony to the fact that a remarkable man lay beneath the tall grass.

Fast forward just over 45 years and all this was to change.

Judith Clark, speaking at the ceremony, and most appropriately on Remembrance Day, told how her sister Carol Farley remembered Mr. Patterson. They had been neighbours and fondly remembered his kindness after their mother had been widowed at a young age with two small daughters.

“In her failing health, she (Carol) became determined to see Old Pat’s grave site acknowledged. She set her husband Don to work making inquiries from the War Graves Department and he persevered for many months until finally Albert Patrick Patterson’s final resting place is beautifully defined and his service to his country has been recognised,” Mrs. Clark said.

Sadly, Mrs. Farley passed away in October this year and did not see her dream come to fruition.

“We don’t know very much about his early life except that he came from very poor beginnings. We do know that he enlisted in the army on December 12, 1915 aged 26 and served his time in the First World War.

“We also know that his patriotism led him to enlist again as a Signalman in the Second World War. He was a very proud Australian and loved nothing better than to wear his medals on Anzac Day as he participated in the march every year without fail. The last march he attended was one month prior to his death.

“My mother often said we would not have survived without 'Old Pat’s' generous supply of fruit and vegetables. He made her life a little less difficult and she and Carol and I were very appreciative,” Mrs. Clark said.

Cessnock RSL Sub branch members and chaplain Canon Sonia Roulston were at the graveside for prayers and dedication of the new resting place.