Patrick has been a musician his whole life, playing half a dozen different instruments, in many ensembles over the years. He was one of the founders of the Ptarmigan Music Society in 1991, bringing it from the mainland to Pender Island in 1998. In 2004, he created Strength Within under the Ptarmigan umbrella, in cooperation with BC Children's Hospital as a program of music, theatre, and dance for teenage survivors of cancer. Patrick took his innate understanding of the healing power of art and community, and filled a need for an arts program for kids with all manner of serious illnesses. Over time, this has extended to any marginalized or isolated group, and retains the same message: arts programs provide opportunities for learning, self-expression, mental stimulation, joy, socialization, and improved physical and emotional health for all involved.