THE funeral was held at Weaverham Parish Church recently for Raymond Butler who died on August 3, aged 83.

Raymond was born in Liverpool in 1919. At the age of 14 he left school to work as an apprenticed heating engineer with his uncle. He worked for various engineers until war broke out.

Ray was a member of the TA and joined the regular army in 1940, serving in France, Germany then France where he was evacuated from Dunkirk.

Back in England he married Dora by special licence on Christmas Eve 1941 and three days later left for Durban, South Africa being promoted to Lance Bombardier during the voyage.

From Durban he was sent to Bombay and promoted to Sgt Major, then on to Burma. Ray was demobbed in 1946. He was a member of the Liverpool branch of the Burma Star Association.

After leaving the army he joined the Liverpool Fire Service, receiving two medals for bravery.

During the 1950s he became Fire Security Officer at ICI Winnington, taking early retirement at the age of 55.

Ray was very proud of his three children and adored his grandchildren. Sadly he was widowed 19 years ago.

He liked to keep himself fit by walking up to six miles a day and swimming three times a week until he became ill.

Ray also liked to read and travel abroad, especially to Greece, where he enjoyed motorcycling.

Ray leaves children Pauline, Jacqueline and Raymond, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

The Rev Sheila Hughes conducted the service at Weaverham Parish Church, prior to committal at Walton Lea Crematorium. Donations were received for the Leukaemia Research Fund.

Arrangements by George Bell Funeral Service, Northwich.