12:50pm Monday 8th February 2010
By Joanna Kilvington
More than 100 people gathered to remember the life of a "true legend" who died two months after celebrating his 100th birthday.
Mourners lined the street of Upper Richmond Road, Sheen, as they paid their tributes to former chimney sweep Ted Vine, whose funeral was held last Friday.
A horse-drawn carriage took Mr Vine’s coffin, adorned with flowers and a chimney sweep brush, to Mortlake Crematorium where it was carried in to a Louis Armstrong version of the Mary Poppin’s classic Chim Chimney.
Mr Vine’s grandfather set up a chimney sweep business in 1850, which Mr Vine worked for until 1960 when he opened Ted’s Cycles, restoring and fixing bikes.
Granddaughter Beverley Stephens said: “There were lots of people outside his house. It was really lovely.”
Mourners packed Mortlake Crematorium to mark the life of Mr Vine, who experienced two world wars, six different monarchs - and yet lived his whole life in the same house where he was born.
Peter McNulty, who led the service, said: “He was a man that was active right up to the very last.
“He still passed the time of day speaking to the people who walked past his shop, particularly the young ladies.”
A poem was read by one of Mr Vine’s 14 great-grandaughters during the service, which included the lines: “Our great-grandad who we loved has sadly passed away.
“And though we are very sad still this is a celebration day.”
Grandson Danny Vine made people smile through their tears as he read a tribute to his granddad, sharing past memories and jokes as part of the service.
He said: “Granddad was such a character. If he didn’t like something you would be the first to know.
“He was a true legend and will be truly missed by so many in Sheen.
“For me Sheen will never be the same.”
Despite turning 100 last November, Mr Vine continued his work as a bike mechanic right up until his death.
He lived to see his 14th great-grandchild born just before Christmas, who was named Ted in his honour.
Mr Vine died at home on January 20 following a short illness.
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