The phrase "a former patron" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who previously supported or frequented a particular establishment, such as a restaurant, theater, or organization.
Example: "The gallery hosted an event to honor a former patron who had generously donated to the arts."
Alternatives: "an ex-supporter" or "a past customer".
In a note posted more than 20 years after its closing on the Web site Cinema Treasures, a former patron credited the theater with a string of personal triumphs.
He was a long-time supporter of music in New York and Palm Beach, a former patron of the Metropolitan Opera, and a talented artist who exhibited photographs and paintings.
When the trial began two months ago, national attention focused on how Senator Barack Obama of Illinois might suffer because of his connection to Mr. Rezko, a former patron who made a fortune on fast food and real estate.
Caroline Lucas, the only Green MP, is a former patron but severed her link with the group last month, saying that – despite her continued opposition to bombing in Syria – she was disturbed by some of the positions Stop the War has adopted.
As a former patron of the New York Philharmonic, I would urge those redesigning Avery Fisher Hall (front page, May 20) to change a feature of its current design that I find far more annoying than the acoustics: the placement of its seats along the side tiers at right angles to the stage.
Alma has been in the news over the last few months, as Taymor and Parsons struggled to raise money and fight a lawsuit brought by a former patron who alleged that Taymor and Parsons reneged on a handshake agreement to give him 20% ownership of Alma.
Exiled to a remote house owned by a fussy former patron, Butcher is trying to get his career back on track, avoid his creditors and manage Hugh, when - on a stormy, flooding evening - he receives a visit from the mysterious Marlene, described by Hugh as "a GAMINE with tiny boobies and a silk dress you could have fitted in your pocket with your hanky".
"They said, 'That is Saddam.' " Mr. Allawi, who stood by Mr. Hussein's side as he rose to power and was briefly imprisoned before fleeing into exile, said he maintained a fondness for his former patron, even though he had embraced the democratic transition here as a member of Parliament.
Critics point to her attendance at a political event for her former patron, Gov. Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina, held by an insurance company in Irving.
Arthur first nominated his old political boss, Roscoe Conkling; he doubted that Conkling would accept, but felt obligated to offer a high office to his former patron.
Now, however, a number of policymakers, including the former patron saint of Fannie and Freddie, Barney Frank, are calling for direct subsidies to home buyers.
