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 have fond memories of Gord when we were in junior high school together. He was so much fun and just a really nice guy.
Saw his passing in the Winnipeg Free Press. My condolences to his family. Our parents were also friends at one time and Riverview just seemed to be that kind of neighbourhood.
I was greatly saddened to hear of Gord’s passing. He was highly regarded in his profession. He was a generous man with a genuine interest in people. He will be sadly missed by colleagues, friends and family.
Bill Thomson
Former Director of the
National Coaching Institute
I wish to pass along my condolences to the family and friends of Gord May. During my time working with Gord in the coaching community, I found him to be a real gentleman and a great friend. I can still see the smile that would come to his face when he made one of his witty remarks. He will be sorely missed; RIP my friend!
As a coach and coaching educator in British Colombia, there could not have been a more engaging and supportive personality then big Gord. Always ready with a positive and ‘can-do’ attitude, Gord stood firm on the importance of coaching at all levels.
R.I.P Gord. Condolences to all who shared in Gord’s impactful life.
I worked for Gord after I graduated from university. In fact working with Gord at the CABC was my first “real” job out of university. Gord was so much fun to work with. He was funny and passionate about his work and I remember there wasn’t a single day where someone didn’t drop by to talk to him. Sometimes they were on their way to a meeting but often they came specifically to talk to him. He was a therapist to many many people and a good friend to many more. I have a lot of positive memories of Gord and remember him at our wedding, serving appetizers to our guests. I will remember him fondly as a great person, a terrific boss and a truly lovely human being.
Justine Thomson (Bill and Adrianne Thomson’s daughter)
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Coaching Association of Canada we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gord. Gord was a true champion for coaches and coach education and will dearly missed by the entire Canadian sport community. We miss his tall lanky gate, dry wit, and absolute passion for supporting and developing coaches. Farewell friend. You are missed but will not be forgotten.
On behalf of the Coaches Association of Saskatchewan and myself, I want to send condolences to the Gord May family in these difficult times. I will always remember Gord as a mentor, a friend, and a guy with a unique sense of humor. Gord was a down to earth person who really cared about his work and the people that surrounded him. How sad that Gord left us too early. Although he is now gone to greater things above he will always be remembered.
In memory of Gord we will be making a donation to the YMCA/YWCA Camp Stephens.
I am greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Gord. I wish to pass along my sincere condolences to Gord’s friends and family. He was a true friend to all those in the sport and coaching community. Gord touched the lives of many. Gord will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gord May. An incredible pioneer for the professional development of coaches. We were so grateful to have Gord travel up to Cranbrook in 2007 for the Kootenay Coaching and Sport Summit in 2007. He believed in supporting and developing coaches in all the BC zones. We are fortunate to have his legacy in coach development.
It is with a heavy heart that I read the news of Gord’s passing and my sincere condolences are extended to his wide circle of friends, family and coaching colleagues. Gord was a tireless supporter of coaching in this province and his leadership and guidance of the Coaches Association of BC leaves much to be celebrated. We were sorry to know of Gord’s illness and now his passing allows us to celebrate and be grateful for his life and all that he meant to so many. Gord helped to champion all aspects of coaching in BC and at all levels from grassroots to elite performance. I know that Gord has ‘passed the torch’ and he has been welcomed ‘on the other side’ by some very great friends and colleagues.
On behalf of everyone at the Bearpark Foundation we extend our heartfelt sympathies. I know that Gord would want us to treat our family, friends and colleagues with kindness and share a Tim Horton’s while we are at it. Be at peace Gord. You have earned your rest.
Respectfully and with much gratitude for your many kindnesses
Sharon Bearpark