Pärnu mourns Pudeli-Vovka, the beloved street icon who touched hearts
Vladimir Fetšin, widely known as Pudeli-Vovka, has passed away at the age of 76. The well-loved figure from Pärnu, Estonia, left behind a legacy of kindness and quirky charm. Residents have begun discussing plans for a formal memorial to honour his memory.
Born on May 16, 1949, in Sindi, Estonia, Pudeli-Vovka was the 13th child in his family and shared his birth with a twin brother. He worked at a sawmill in Pärnu until the layoffs during the perestroika era forced a change in his life.
After losing his job, he turned to collecting bottles and helping neighbours in his own way. His niece, Svetlana Murzina, described him as a cleaner who gathered not just rubbish but also people's 'burdens'—often in the form of spare coins. Actor Jaan Rekkor remembered him for his signature phrases, always asking passersby, 'Got a cent? Got a smoke?'
Content creator Lauri Kare Laos recalled Pudeli-Vovka as a smiling, smoking man with a large bag, a familiar sight in Pärnu throughout the year. Despite his simple lifestyle, he had a soft spot for children and frequently took Murzina's daughter for walks.
Currently, Pärnu has no official public monuments dedicated to local personalities like Pudeli-Vovka. A similar initiative exists in Rakvere, where a 2010 sculpture, A Young Man on a Bicycle Listening to Music, honours composer Arvo Pärt.
Following his death, residents of Pärnu have shared fond memories and condolences. Talks are now underway to create a lasting tribute to Pudeli-Vovka, ensuring his unique presence in the community is not forgotten. His life reflected a simple but meaningful connection with those around him.
