He yelled and swore when he first entered Otago Community Hospice, but a former prisoner left a lasting impression on the staff who cared for him.
Terminally-ill Invercargill man Mark O'Connor (46) was released from two and a-half months in prison to go to the Dunedin-based hospice in May.
It was the first time staff had cared for an ex-prisoner with a history of violence and abuse, and worked closely with prison health services, and medical professionals before his admission.
"People are often very apprehensive when they come into the hospice, and he was no different," Hospice acting chief executive Clare Greensmith said.
Mr O'Connor, who had one eye, tattoos and "looked as if he had a tough life" initially presented challenges to staff, including yelling at nurses, swearing and throwing tomato-sauce bottles.
"I think he developed trust for us and really warmed to the staff and was able to show a side of himself; a very generous and warm side," she said.
Mr O'Connor, who battled addiction and spent years living rough, appreciated being valued and recognised as a "person of worth" by staff and fellow patients.
"I think life had been very tough for him,"she said.
He had given permission to share his story, and staff were richer for having met and cared for him, she said.
Mr O'Connor died on June 7.
