A well-known chiropodist in East Sheen, who treated many feet of the famous, died peacefully, surrounded by family, in the East Surrey Hospital last month.

John Johnson, 87, had been living in the Honeywood House Nursing Home in Rowhook for nearly two years, having suffered with Alzheimer’s disease for some time.

He opened up his practice in early 1960 in the big white house on the corner of Wallorton Gardens, East Sheen, initially assisted by his mother, Ada Johnson, before his wife June took over the receptionist role in 1973.

Mr Johnson was popular with patients because of his excellent time keeping and dry sense of humour and a comical fish tank in the waiting room which contained a model foot bone and was labelled 2 Piranhas - Beware!” proved a great source of conversation.

His daughter Sue Wiltshire said: “He was very well known in the area and popular. His patients loved him.”

Mr Johnson was a proud pioneer in minor foot surgery and was one of the earliest trained podiatrists of his generation and patients were disappointed when the practice closed in 2002.

Family described him as a much-loved husband of 61 years to June, father and father-in-law to Susan and Bob, Sally and Pat, Paul and Sandy, and grandpa to Jade, Anna, Catherine, Joanna, Matthew, Annabel, Alex and Jacob.

The funeral service and cremation was held at Guildford Crematorium on Friday, June 14.

Donations are invited to Honeywood House c/o - J Gorringe & Son Funeral Directors, 55 Hare Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3EF.