There we sat, in a large gym-turned-concert hall in Iowa, and I found myself wiping away tears. I wasn’t sad—not at all! I was overwhelmed with a sense of awe that there were hundreds of people, most of whom were adults, singing along with “Patch the Pirate.” He was singing his, at that moment, most familiar song, “Jonah,” and this room full of people, from all over the state (and surrounding states) was whistling together and singing together:

“Jonah…Jonah / did not obey God immediately. /

Jonah…Jonah / down in the depths of the deep blue sea.”

We had little in common other than our faith, but there we were, singing in unison, a song that had touched all of our lives: a song about a whale, about a man who didn’t obey God, and about all of us, who needed a catchy-but-oh-so-true reminder that God should always have first place.

I had known Ron Hamilton (now most commonly known as “Patch the Pirate”) for many years prior to that. In fact, I had known his wife and his in-laws since my early childhood, attended boarding school at the same time his sister-in-law was there as a town student, and had numerous other connections with his family. I had come because of those connections—and because my elementary-aged nephew was a big fan of “Patch.”

Ron’s nickname and “brand” came about as a result of the removal of one of his eyes due to a tumor. In his characteristic positivity and desire to use even a seeming tragedy to point others to God’s love, he put on his patch and used the songs in his heart to spread the good news of the gospel to children and adults around the world.

During my years as a music teacher, I often taught his songs (and utilized the lessons within them) in my classroom. I’ve long said that his songs are some of the most singable, vocal-range-appropriate songs for children—of all ages!

My favorite recording of all time isn’t the soundtrack to a famous Broadway musical or to a well-known movie, nor is it an album of greats recorded by my favorite artist(s). My favorite, most frequently played, most happily sung-along-with recording of all time is…

Kidnapped on I-Land, by “Patch the Pirate.”

It’s a faith-based album of story/music, written primarily for children. The overriding theme/lesson guides children into thinking of others, teaches them about the dangers of selfish living, and reminds them of God’s love and grace in spite of their natural bent to selfishness.

At the most selfish time in my life—my early-to-mid twenties—this album released. I was frequently making five-hour trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from the Detroit area, and I would listen to my cassette tape (stop laughing, young readers!) over and over on the way there and on the way back.

I’m pretty certain I have it memorized—vocal inflections, characters’ accents, pauses, and musical dynamics. In other words, you don’t want me in the car with you when it’s playing…but it clearly made an impact.

Today, Ron’s family publicly announced that Patch likely will not be with us very long. His multi-year fight against the disease that first began to take his memory and mental capabilities will soon be over. Hundreds, thousands, and perhaps millions of people around the world have been impacted by his music, his life, his humble use of his God-given skills. His work will long outlive him. His influence will reach far into the future.

This little blog post doesn’t begin to tell you who Ron/Patch is. But that wasn’t its purpose. It had but one long-overdue goal, allowing me to say what I want to say the most:

Thank you, Patch the Pirate.

However, it feels wrong to end with my words. Patch’s closing song on the Kidnapped on I-Land album summarizes Ron’s desire best…and allows me to renew my desire to do the same:

I give my life to Jesus / He shall have first place. /

I give my life to Jesus / He shall be first. /

Christ is my great King! / His praise I will sing! /

I give my life to Jesus / He shall be first!

Read more about the life of Ron “Patch” Hamilton and find his recordings here: https://www.majestymusic.com/