'It has been one of the hardest things ever to experience' — Patrick Shai remembered a year after his passing

Sunday marked a year since the passing of veteran actor Patrick Shai.

Shai died on January 22. According to police reports, the actor took his own life. 

Commemorating his life, the Shai family and close friends visited his grave and later gathered at Patrick's home to share fond memories of the late star over lunch.

His nephew Lekgetho Shai told TshisaLIVE how family gatherings were not the same without his uncle, who was always the life of the party.

“It was a gathering to honour his memory, the things he's done for the family. It was such a sad day because time flew by very fast. It was just a lot for Masechaba [the wife] and the kids,” he said.

“We spoke about how things have changed since his passing. He was a very vibey person, so whenever we had family gatherings, he'd be there making sure everyone is happy, he'd be dancing throughout, so yesterday was a little bit low because we could all feel that there was someone who is not here anymore, we missed his presence.”

Picking up the pieces after his passing has not been an easy journey, but Lekgetho says he's grateful, having been there for the family throughout their emotional turmoil. 

“Personally, it has been hard, given the fact that I stay with the family [wife and his kids]. Having to see them go through all of the breakdowns every day or maybe twice a week ... It has been one of the hardest things ever to experience them going through the pain. But they are taking it day by day, we all are.”

Lekgetho says he will remember his uncle for leading by example and being a free-spirited person. 

He hopes others can reflect on his life with the same mindset.

“I remember him as a creative, as an activist and as a person who used to advise us well in the family. He would make jokes, but he made sure to give proper advice when you speak to him.

“I would want people to remember him as a person who fought so hard in his life. He did some things, but he's fixed them. As a man he was someone who recovered from his mistakes in public. When he left us he had fixed all his mistakes ... He forgave people and asked for forgiveness wherever he ruined ... I want people to acknowledge the kind of person he was before he left.”