Stephen Lewis’ funeral was marked with a red double-decker ‘On The Buses’-themed flower memorial.
The 88-year-old actor – who played Inspector Cyril ‘Blakey’ Blake in the 70s sitcom – was remembered by his co-stars and family members as they paid tribute to the TV star, who passed away earlier this month.
Speaking outside Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in north London, where the service was held today (25.08.15), Stephen’s ‘On The Buses’ co-star Anna Karen – who played Olive in the comedy series – said: "I just want to say that he will be very sadly missed. He was an extremely talented and funny man and wonderful to work with."
The late ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ actor’s nephew’s wife said he was a "kind and generous man" and shared how he continued to write, sing and make people laugh until the end.
She told the 100-person congregation: "He was a kind and generous man. He was writing up until recently and loved to sing snatches of old musical songs, laughing at the plays on words.
"He was always happy to have his picture taken and chat to people."
The funeral procession and the coffin – decorated with the name Blakey- headed to the Church near Wanstead nursing home, where Stephen had been residing.
The nursing home’s manager also spoke of how he carried a miniature bus with him at all times and how he was "inseparable" from his sister.
Rashid Ebrahimkhan said: "He used to have a little dinky tour bus either in his pocket or in his wheelchair.
"And he would always say ‘I hate you Butler’. He loved his sister too – they really were inseparable."
Stephen Lewis remembered with red bus flower tribute
