The sister of well-known Finchley personality Horace White was brought to tears as a community garden was opened in his memory yesterday. 

Selina Higgins was “overwhelmed” as Barnet Homes unveiled the new Grange Garden in the Grange Estate, East Finchley, where her brother Horace used to live.

Horace, born Stanley Alfred White, was well known around the North Finchley area where he would hang around outside shops chatting to passers-by and wishing them the “best of luck”. 

The 54-year-old collapsed outside the Whittington Hospital last September and despite doctors’ attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead that night.

More than 10,000 people "Liked" a Facebook page entitled RIP Horace and Barnet Borough Council has voted in favour of installing a bench in his memory.

Mrs Higgins, 67, who lives in Edmonton, thanked Barnet Homes for making yesterday the “happiest day” of her life.

She said: “In September 2012 you shared my grief, today you have given me joy in my heart. I am overwhelmed and so happy.

"You see these kinds of things done for famous people and celebs but for it to happen in memory of my Horace is unbelievable. I haven’t stopped crying since he died but today I’m crying with joy.

"This garden will be a nice place for me to sit and think about Horace.”

Mrs Higgins was accompanied by her husband Neville Higgins, 70, their foster daughter Kathleen Bolat and 19-month-old granddaughter Selina Bolat.

Mayor of Barnet Councillor Melvin Cohen welcomed people living in the estate to make the most of the garden, which consists of a children’s play area and flowers. He also helped Mrs Higgins cut a cake in Horace’s memory.

He said: "Horace was a much loved character in the Finchley community. He was a very gentle man and a pleasant person who always had a smile on his face."

Aisha Kens, who has lived in the estate for 13 years, said: “Everyone knew Horace – he was a big part of this community so it’s nice to have something to remember him by.

“It’s great to have something the kids can enjoy too – there are not enough play areas for kids in the area.”