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

www.mccallbros.com

 

  • Ken Mark

    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

  • Brenda Killeen

    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.

  • Ann Holmes

    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.

  • Sharon (Abbott) Vanderschuit

    So very sorry to hear about Gord’s passing. My thoughts and condolences to Ross, Barbara, Shirley and Peggy.

  • Stana Campbell, Vancouver

    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.

  • Scott Wallace

    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.

  • Nancy Dorman

    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.

  • Dave Feener

    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.

  • Patricia Pidlaski

    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

  • Geri Powell

    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.

  • Dennis Caine

    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

  • Sheryl Mearns

    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.

  • Brian McCalder

    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.

  • Susan Kitchen

    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.

  • Ralph Bellstedt

    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….

  • Mary Hamilton

    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

  • Kathy Walkty (Hoole)

    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.

  • Bill Thomson

    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

  • Clayton Welsh

    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!

  • Andrew Moss

    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.

  • Justine Thomson

    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)

  • Cyndie Flett

    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.

  • Mark Bracken, Coaches Association of Saskatchewan

    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.

  • Faye Blackwood

    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.

  • Karen Kettenacker

    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.

  • Sharon Bearpark

    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

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