His is a well-known face in the Lake Macquarie community, but it has been several days since the last reported sighting of John Davidson.
The 72-year-old, who has advanced dementia but is in otherwise good health, has been missing since Monday and police are calling for public help to track him down.
A multi-agency search will continue on Saturday in bushland in the Windale area - Mr Davidson is an avid fan of Bunnings at Bennetts Green - involving Lake Macquarie police, the PolAir helicopter crew, the Police Rescue unit and State Emergency Service volunteers.
The search has been focusing on the Windale, Mount Hutton, Bennetts Green, Gateshead and Jewells areas.
Mr Davidson left his home on Tennent Road at Mount Hutton about 10.15am on Monday and is believed to have walked southeast along Wilsons Road before being captured on CCTV footage on South Street heading towards the Pacific Highway just after 11am.
"John suffers from advanced dementia and he can appear to be confused and has speech difficulties," Lake Macquarie Police District commander Superintendent Steve Kentwell told reporters on Friday afternoon.
"Members of the community are all aware of who he is. He is obviously a well known local here.
"He talks to everyone and everyone talks to him, to the point that one of his daily routines - from what I've been told - is he would go to the local bowling club and they'll ring his wife and have her come pick him up."
Mr Davidson is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, with medium build and grey hair. He may be wearing jeans and white joggers.
"If you're out, check your backyards, check your sheds, keep an eye out for him. If you do see him, stay with him and call us," Superintendent Kentwell said.
"We're talking Monday [he was last seen] and here we are on Friday, so we're really concerned about his welfare."
Anyone with information as to Mr Davidson's whereabouts is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
