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 MB, Shirley Curtis and husband Terry of Victoria BC, and brother Ross May and wife Barbara of Cobble Hill BC. 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 BC as Executive Director in Vancouver. 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 ON. 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 BC 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 pm at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, in Victoria BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency or to the YMCA / YWCA Camp Stephens. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
26 Responses
I met “Gordie” May when we both played for the Clansman Rugby Team in Edmonton in the early 70’s. Were we close friends..no….but we did share a common bond at that time playing rugby with a bunch of other guys. We played hard, we also worked hard at having fun. My memories of Gordie on the field were as a committed player, calm and focused and always there. I just met Gordie again after all those years briefly in Victoria in May 2013 at the Old Boys Reunion. He was the same gentleman I knew in the 70’s. I wished we had spoken longer. Take care Gordie May it was a pleasure to meet you and play rugby with you with the Clan.
Kenny Mark
Gord, I am so very fortunate to have had you in my life and my families in the 80’s. Then we reconnected in 2012 and you still made me laugh and feel good then.
RIP Gordo, I love you.
I was sad and sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. I met Gord when I worked in the Sport BC building (years ago) and stayed in touch through coaching since I moved to Prince George in 2002. He was always friendly and positive, and he did a lot to support coach development in this province (and the north). He is missed.
So very sorry to hear about Gord’s passing. My thoughts and condolences to Ross, Barbara, Shirley and Peggy.
Gord, good buddy, I will miss our chats and having tea together. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to share your recent trip to Italy and mine to Austria. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to your family who will be missing you terribly, especially the kids with whom you shared your time. I’ll sign off with our usual “Ciao for now good buddy!”. Rest easy and without pain.
My condolences to the May family. I was saddened to hear the news of Gordy’s passing. Being a Falcon Lake neighbor though out my youth brings a ton of fantastic memories and reflections of Gord’s infectious laugh and positive outlook on life. It still amazes me of how much time he put into getting the family sailboat ready and all rigged up for such a short time on the water. He worried me when he borrowed dads power tools for some reason. Although I only saw him from time to time over the years, it was always a pleasure. RIP Gord.