Robert B Sherman, the elder half of The Sherman Brothers and winner of Academy Awards with his brother Richard for Mary Poppins, died aged 86 in London last night.

Songwriter Robert Sherman, who composed Disney tunes including ‘It’s a Small World (After All)’ and ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, passed away on Monday after a protracted illness.

His death was announced on Facebook by his son Jeff. He wrote on Facebook “My Dad, Robert B. Sherman, passed away tonight in London. He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more.”

Robert Sherman along with his brother also composed songs like ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ and ‘Trust In Me’ from ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Truly Scrumptious’ from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’.

“My brother Bob was a poetic soul with limitless imagination and talent,” said Richard Sherman in a statement. “He was my loyal friend all through the years.”

The renowned songwriter was also a painter, an aspect of his life that was hidden from the world until 2002. Sherman’s paintings were exhibited in April 2002 at Thompsons’ Gallery on Marylebone High Street in London, England. He was also a metal sculptor, poet, and short story author.

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