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 am so very sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. He was lots of fun and had an infectious smile. I knew Gord through the YMCA and University. Sharon, Gord, and I lived together during my third year, there was never a dull moment! He will be missed by many people.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
I was very sad to hear of Gord’s passing. I found God to be a very sincere man who had a great passion for coaching and sport. He will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences to Gord’s family. I first met Gord on the Winnipeg YMCA Jamaica Exchange in 1970. And my last occasion to see him was at the Camp Stephens Trail reunion last month. Gord was still the dynamic, funny, kind, and thoughtful person I knew way back when. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.
Patti Pidlaski
St. Malo, Manitoba
I met Gord initially through Special O, and then through Coaches of BC. Thank you for every suggestion and tip – I still use some of your tips to this day.
Condolences to Gord`s family, direct and extended.
I remember Gord from our childhood years in Fort Rouge. Gord lived on Montague and I lived on McNaughton, just one street away. Although I haven’t seen Gord for about 40 years I remember him with great fondness. I recall him as a kind, gentle soul who found great joy in the outdoors and through participation in sports activities with his many friends. It comes as no surprise to me that he graduated with a degree in Recreation Administration and worked successfully in this field for so many years. Condolences to his family.
Dennis Caine
Grand Forks, ND
I knew and liaised with Gord for about 16 yrs while working at the NCI. Gord had the most annoying habit of seeing the best in people. He was a good person who deserved at least another 30 yrs of laughter and life.
BC Athletics is very saddened to hear of the passing this week of Gord May, Former Executive Director, Coaches BC. A great friend to many and a true supporter of Provincial Sport Organizations and their work to develop and train coaches. With Gord’s support and funding provided by Coaches BC, many coaches throughout the province had access to Coaching Education programs and support for advanced training.
A dry sense of humour bordering on desert conditions, Gord could always make you laugh and provide an alternative perspective on various topics – that helped in keeping it “all in perspective.”
He will be missed by a very supportive family and the many who knew him as a colleague, mentor, advisor and most certainly a friend.
The “Great Gordini” will always be remembered and very much appreciated.
A man of much wit and wisdom, Gord will be remembered for his kindness by his friends at the Coaches Association of Ontario. Gord was so generous with his time and seasoned advice. He made a positive difference on the national sport community well beyond his provincial association.
I remember walking with Gord around Ottawa in the winter between CAC Board meetings with his shoulders up around his ears to counter the effect of the biting cold. Although he didn’t fancy the temperature, he never missed an opportunity to contribute, to weigh carefully a solution to a complex challenge, or simply break the ice with well timed humour. His warmth and friendship will not be forgotten.
Condolences to his family. The CAO will be making a donation to the YMCA/YWCA Camp Stephens to remember Gord.
I was very saddened to hear about Gord’s passing and extend my deepest sympathies to family and friends. Gord was a true friend, a good buddy, the kind most of us can only count on one hand.
We shared many a good time together in the 80’s and early 90’s in Edmonton. Oilers and Eskimo games, numerous rounds of golf and a trip to Mexico.
I spoke with Gord September 18th. Rather than talk about his own circumstance, he was very interested to hear what my sons and step-sons were up to. He was very interested and supportive of the young people in his life and youth in general.
He was a positive influence in my life and I have many good memories that will keep me smiling.
Gordo, I miss you good buddy….
My sincere condolences to family, friends and coaching colleagues, although I have never met Gord in person, I did speak to him quite frequently by telephone and through e-mail, when I was with CAC he was always polite, curtsies and very helpful R.I.P. Gord