Ray died in his sleep at his London Road home in the early hours of Thursday.

Born in Sawtry Ray grew up in Wimblington but he moved to Chatteris a short while after marrying his late wife Brenda in 1947.

Brenda died in April 2008 - the couple had been married 60 years - and had four children: Kelvin, of Pidley; Carolyn Ballantyne-Wing, of Chatteris; Robert of Side Strand near Cromer and Lynda Behagg of Chatteris.

Ray started his working life as a contract sprayer before moving into farm and agricultural contracting.

He spent the war years in the RAF and served as a rear gunner - one of the most dangerous jobs in the air force - on short Sterling bombers. The life expectancy for someone in this position was around nine weeks, he survived four-and-a-half years.

But memories of the many comrades he lost always brought a tear to his eye when he attended the annual Remembrance Day Service.

One of his favourite past times was flying and he had a pilot's licence and regularly flew his small Cessna aircraft, which he kept at his home.

He also liked 'tinkering' with old cars.

His other passion was local government and he served for 34 years as a Fenland District Councillor and Chatteris Town Councillor and was a county councillor for 16 years between 1981 and 1997.

He was chairman of the town council from 1980 to 1983 and was chairman of Fenland three times - 1993/94; 1995/96 and then again 1998/99.

Ray was also a member of the Air Gunners Association and the National Farmers' Union.

His daughter Lynda said: "He had an eventful life but he enjoyed it and he lived it to the full."

Councillor Geoffrey Harper, Leader of the Council, led the tributes to Councillor German. He said: "Having known Ray German since I came to this area in 1983, I have respected and appreciated his contribution to both the Council and the Conservative party. He will be sorely missed."

Councillor Ralph Butcher, Chairman of Fenland District Council, said: "I would like to extend my condolences to Councillor German's family. I respected his views as an experienced Councillor and there is no doubt he will be missed."

Fenland District Council's Chief Executive Tim Pilsbury spoke on behalf of his colleagues. "Ray was always a real gentleman and conducted himself with the utmost integrity. He will be greatly missed," he said.

"He was a staunch representative of the people of Chatteris for more than three decades. The thoughts of Council staff go out to all of Ray's family at this sad time."

Mr German also leaves 10 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.