Eric Pattison, a Crisis supporter's story

Here we celebrate the life of a special supporter, Eric Pattison, who donated to Crisis for many years. Eric very kindly left a gift in his Will, which has helped more people facing homelessness access our life-changing services.

The son of a colliery worker, Eric was born in 1931 in County Durham. Although he attended Sheffield University to study English, he was also a keen dramatist and took part in many theatrical performances in his youth. After graduating with a Masters Degree in 1954, Eric was called up for National Service, before beginning his subsequent career with the Inland Revenue. 

His job took him to Northern Ireland, and then far overseas to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to work in the tax service there. Later returning to the UK, Eric flourished in his career and was always admired for his sharp intelligence, perceptiveness and pragmatism.

Retirement came in 1990 and was followed by years of travelling the world. Culture, especially the theatre and the opera, had always been a big part of Eric’s life and this was indulged to the full for the next 30 years. He made many friends, who appreciated him as a knowledgeable, kind and modest individual and enjoyed listening to his impressions of places and encounters with eccentric people. His memory for what seemed like every production of a play he had ever seen was phenomenal – comparing and contrasting actors of the same play decades apart.

As a member of his university alumni, Eric gave up his time sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of students. He’s remembered fondly by all who knew him, and his legacy at Crisis lives on through the lives changed by his gift.

If you wish to find out more information about leaving a gift in your Will, contact George Shelley on george.shelley@crisis.org.uk or 07814 654362.