Passages: Gord May

Gordon George May passed away September 30, 2013 with his loving family at his side. 

Gordon was born in Winnipeg on September 12, 1951 to the late George Oliver and Margaret Laura May. Gordon is survived by sisters Peggy Rislahti of Winnipeg, Shirley Curtis and husband Terry of Victoria B.C., and brother Ross May and wife Barbara of Cobble Hill B.C.

Gordon was an extra special Uncle to David Curtis and wife Tricia and children Callum and Nolan, Alan Curtis and wife Mia and children Rebecca and Nora, Colin Curtis and wife Kimberley and children Hannah and Dylan, Ainsley Pahl and husband Kevin and son Owen, and Kate Rislahti. 

Also surviving Gordon is his Uncle John and Aunt Laurel Fosness and cousins Patty Fosness, Nancy and Connell Gallagher, and Joan Bjornson. 

Gordon attended school in Winnipeg and then the University of Alberta, graduating in 1979 with a Degree in Recreation Administration. 

Gordon worked for the Government of Alberta in Edmonton for many years and then the Coaches Association of B.C. as Executive Director in Vancouver. 

Gord May and Neil Robinson at 50th Trail Reunion

In 2012 Gordon moved to Victoria to be closer to family. 

Gordon received the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his commitment to the community. He had volunteered with the Special Olympics for many years. 

His other interests included travelling, woodworking, acting, and, most recently, painting. 

Gordon loved the outdoors having spent almost every summer at the cottage at Falcon Lake MB and, as a teenager, at the Y's Camp Stephens on Lake of the Woods. 

He enjoyed golfing, sailing, skiing, rugby and hiking. Gordon valued his many friends and always made an effort to keep in touch with people he met throughout his life. 

He in turn was loved and respected by many life-long friends including Chuck and Gabbie Morgan, Margot Ross Graham and Punch Jackson. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Savage and Cathy Paul at the B.C. Cancer Trial Drug Program in Vancouver for giving Gordon two extra years of life to enjoy. Also thanks to the compassionate nurses and doctors at Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital on 4 South. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 7 at 1 p.m. at McCall's Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, in Victoria B.C. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Agency or to the YMCA-YWCA Camp Stephens. 

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com

Published in The Times Colonist