Dispensing optician Graham Sims, who practised in Teddington, Surrey passed away on Saturday March 13 2010.
Described by his daughter Melissa as a much respected, well known and at times outspoken character, he was the third generation of Sims to run the family business which was established in 1902. His grandfather began the company as a jewellers and watchmakers and Graham's father took over in 1928 when it became the opticians practice it still is today.
She added that although his first love was motor vehicles, both two and four wheeled, he eventually qualified as a dispensing optician in 1964 from City University. He then joined the business which his brother Ian, an optometrist, had also become part of in 1959. They successfully expanded by buying the adjacent premises. Ian retired from the practice some 15 years ago to Poole, Dorset.
Melissa is now the fourth generation keeping the family business thriving. 'I feel immensely proud of our heritage and will do my best to keep Sims Opticians' reputation for personal service and attention to detail alive for many years to come,' she said.
'Having spent some 45 years in the optical industry, Graham knew a great many people whom he had come to know as his friends as well as colleagues.'
He leaves behind his wife Susie, children Stuart, Melissa, Hannah and Katie and his brother Ian.