Despite his pain, Knutsford's May Day sandman would tell doctors he was fine.

"He'd ask them to see to people who were really poorly and then go around the ward cheering patients up himself," his widow Brenda said on Monday.

"The doctors and nurses thought he was so brave. He was such a good man, husband, father and grandad. I'll miss him terribly."

Last week mourners packed into church to say goodbye to Ray, who died from cancer aged 63. He had lost his long, brave battle against the illness.

But family, friends and former colleagues arrived at Brook Street Unitarian Chapel to remember a man who had dedicated his time and talents to the community.

Minister Paul Travis told mourners of the time the keen motorcyclist was tailed by police for speeding in the snow.

Ray took his bike into his Malt Street home to avoid officers - but they followed his tracks into the house.

"Ray's life has gone too fast, but the tracks he has left will be there for a long time to come," said Mr Travis.

For more than 30 years the former Knutsford court keeper got up in the early hours on May Day to put his colourful sand designs all over town.

This week festival chairman Ken Gresty said Ray's contribution - which his helpers hope to carry on - had been brilliant.

"He was always reliable, keen and dedicated," said Mr Gresty, of Mobberley Road.

"If you asked him for something it would get done and his sandings were one of those traditions that made the day stand out for people." Solicitor Simon Armstrong said Ray, of Toft Road, was widely respected and always kept Knutsford court in immaculate condition.

"He was a great guy," he said. "Court can be a difficult place to work because people arrive nervous fearing they might be sent to prison. Ray was always a calming influence on everyone.

"He brought to the job exactly what was needed and I don't think people realised at the time how much the smooth running of the court was down to him."

Ray was born in Lincolnshire, but moved to Cheshire to attend agricultural college and work in Peover.

He met and married his wife of 44 years Brenda in Knutsford and soon became court keeper.

Ray's passion for DIY meant he'd do odd-jobs for people and his love of Land Rovers often got him into scrapes during off-road competitions in difficult weather conditions. The father of three, who had six grandchildren, was also a committed family man and a proud moment came when wife Brenda received a MBE at Buckingham Palace for her outstanding service to the judiciary.

"He had convinced me and himself that he could win his battle," said Brenda, who has been innundated with cards from well-wishers.

One person even put pen to paper to write: "Although I never met Mr Veal everyone I spoke to thought very highly of him."

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