Lorne Richard May passed away peacefully at his home in Langley on November 16, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, wife Grace, brothers Jerry, Mervin and Joe, brothers-in-law Merlin Waller and Mel Bathgate, sisters-in-law Doreen, Marion and nephew Kevin. Lorne will be forever missed by his sons Doug (Carol), Steven and Gordon, his grandchildren Liam, Kristoffer, Erin, Lisa, Carrie-Ann, Melodie and Billy and great grandchildren Zachary, Leeland, Kaleb, Karter, Hunter and Lucas. He also leaves behind his sisters Ruth Bathgate and Elaine Waller, his brothers Don and Orv and his sisters-in-law Dorothy and Gloria.
Lorne was the eldest of eight children, born November 7, 1927, to Harold (Hurly) and Loretta (Lett) May of Marquis, Saskatchewan. He farmed with his family until he headed out West to Vancouver in 1943 at the age of 16 and returning to Marquis for thrashing season each summer. He met the love of his life Grace, in Moose Jaw when Grace and parents moved to Vancouver area they eventually married in 1949 and settled in Vancouver. During his time in Vancouver Lorne had a varied career in marine and electrical related industries, working for a coastal cruise line, serving time at Burrard dry dock during the war, was a fishing boat owner operator, worked for a couple of marine mechanical/electrical support companies. He became an independent business owner in 1958 started his first marine electrical contract and service company May Marine Electric Ltd, which he successfully ran for 17 years. Eventually selling his company to a major shipyard he took a 5 year break as a business owner and managed the company until 1979 at which time he went into partnership with his son Doug to open another marine-electrical business, Van-Mar Electric Ltd.
Family was very important to Lorne, he took his family back to Moose Jaw most summers spending one to two weeks, with his parent, brothers and sisters, depending on his work schedule. Two of his memorable trips back to Moose Jaw was in 1998 for the May Family reunion organized by his brother Don and Don’s son Barry and in 2010 for the 100th Anniversary of Marquis.
When the grandchildren came along he spent many hours teaching them how to draw especially his version of Mickey Mouse and built them playhouses, swings, and zip lines for their enjoyment. This continued with his great grandchildren and you would find him playing on the floor with them, reading with them or outside playing hockey.
Upon retiring Lorne kept busy working on his property in Surrey and trying to take time on his boat as some of us know was difficult as there was always the bulldozer to repair, a hole to dig or another tree to cut down. He never really retired just moved on to other things.
A respected businessman, avid sailor, father, grandfather, great grandfather brother and friend, Lorne will be missed by those who have had the privilege to know him.
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