Bob Holness dies peacefully aged 83

He recently contracted pneumonia and died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, aged 83.

The retired father-of-three, who gained a cult following among the sixth-form students who watched the Blockbusters programme, supported the Pinner Association, Pinner and District Community Association, West House and Heath Robinson Memorial Trust, Friends of West House and the Pinner Players, giving up much of his time for charitable events.

Observer columnist and chef patron of Friends restaurant in Pinner High Street, Terry Farr, praised Bob's contribution to charities and said he was a familiar face in Pinner.

Mr Farr said: "I have put a sign up saying goodbye to Mr Pinner, which he was really.

"He was pretty much the same man you saw on Blockbusters.

"One thing that I would say was that he was so lucky to have such a wonderful wife as well, they were always so together."

Bob and his wife Mary had lived in the same house in Elm Park Road since moving there in 1962.

He leaves behind three children, Carol, Ros and Jonathan and seven grandchildren, Sam, Tom, Arthur, Theo, Rylan, Cassian and Lily, who are aged between 33 and 13-years-old.

Martin Verden, president of the Pinner Association, said: "I think that is what is so remarkable about Bob is that he was very generous with his time, especially with charity work.

"It was wonderful to have that and we are indebted to him and Mary who nursed him so magnificently in his later years."

Independent councillor for Headstone North, James Bond, was a family friend and said: "He had no airs and graces and was a special person to those who met him and those who I have spoken to are very upset that he has passed away.

"Pinner is in mourning over this as we all loved Bob Holness."

His daughter Ros, who had also been his PA for the last 25 years, said: "My father adored Pinner and always did all he could for Harrow.

"Him and my mother had lived here for 50 years and over the past week she hasn't been able to walk down the street without people throwing their arms around her and saying how sorry they are.

"My mother is sad but she is so overwhelmed by the love and kindness of all the local people in Pinner."

Pop star from Duran Duran and former Pinner resident, Simon Le Bon, tweeted: "My deepest sympathy and condolences to my friend Ros on the passing of her father Bob Holness."