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WILLIAM (LAURIE) MAY
Born: Jul 11, 1951
Date of Passing: Nov 23, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM (LAURIE) MAY July 11, 1951 - November 23, 2013 On Saturday, November 23, 2013, at the Victoria General Hospital, surrounded by his beloved wife, family and friends, Laurie, at 62 years of age, lost his battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy. Athletics and education were pivotal to his character development, and ironically, in the end, the disease robbed him of both. As a student at Elmwood High School in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Laurie excelled in basketball, track and football. He was more than a "sports star". He was also a serious and hardworking student. His ability to read people and situations and his superior command of English, made him a natural leader - a quality his fellow classmates at Elmwood recognized when he was elected school president in his Grade 12 year. During this same time period, Laurie was also following his passion for hockey until a broken leg shattered his future in that sport. Sidelined for months with his injury, the athlete became focused on his studies and the student became the teacher. Laurie was a creative, witty, master educator, who had the innate ability to make even the dry and boring topics excite his classes. He taught for more than 30 years, initially at Tec Voc, but for most of his professional career he taught English at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. It was at Daniel McIntyre that Laurie made his mark as an educator and a basketball coach. For Laurie academics were essential but "the other half" of education for his students was acquired on the basketball court. He believed that basketball was a metaphor for life and if you could excel on the court you could excel in life. Over the years, Laurie coached many successful teams and even won a few Provincial Championships. However, for Laurie, the biggest thrill came from watching the students he coached grow up and become "successful" people off the basketball court. Those successes were the real trophies. Laurie leaves to mourn his wife and soul-mate of 28 years, Deb; daughters, Leslie and Lisa May; mother, Betty Van der Aa; sister, Shelley Kubic, and brother, Corey Van der Aa. Also grieving his passing are his mother-in-law, Elsie Dudar; brother-in-law, Ray Dudar, and sister-in-law, Nancy Arason; many relatives and many special friends. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Alumnae Hall, at St. Mary's Academy, 550 Wellington Crescent. Thanks goes out to the Palliative Care Program, the Homecare Program and the team of nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists that helped Laurie through his illness. A special "thank you" to Dr. S. Sami for over-seeing his care. If you would like to honour Laurie's memory, flowers gratefully declined. Instead, please donate to a charity of your choice. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove.....but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child" Anonymous
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2013
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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A simple thank you Laurie, thank you for the many kind words said so many years ago. Rest. RIP. God Bless. - Posted by: Keynes Emeruwa (One of the many basketball players he said kind words about over the years...) on: Oct 21, 2020
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Debi, so sorry to read about Laurie's passing. My prayers are with y'all. - Posted by: Craig Kennedy () on: Dec 29, 2013
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Debbie, we just learned of Laurie's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember his wit and the fun we had together playing baseball, having dinners, etc. Peace to you Pat and Mo - Posted by: Pat and Maureen (Friends) on: Dec 16, 2013
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Betty, Shelley, Cory, my deepest sympathy. Laurie was a man at an early age, and would have made any family proud. Shelley, please call me @ 471-7268. - Posted by: Dean Macaulay (Family Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013
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I'll miss that wicked sense of humour and that wonderful smile. - Posted by: John Durham (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013
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Although I have been gone from Winnipeg for almost 25 years I will always remember Laurie as one of my all time favourite characters, having taught with him as well as coached with him. I can't imagine the loss that is felt within his family and social circle. He will be missed. - Posted by: Averil Share (friend) on: Dec 13, 2013
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Deb, our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We remember the good times at your home and how Laurie also was a great supporter of you as you coached the SMA teams. He will be remembered by many he touched. - Posted by: Patricia and Gary Hamilton (acquaintance) on: Dec 12, 2013
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I was saddened to hear of Mr. May's passing. I was a student of his at DMCI. He was a great teacher who treated his students with respect, valued their opinions and challenged us to be better. We also shared many laughs in his classes. I'm sure he touched many more lives than mine and I think we are all very lucky and I am truly grateful. Rest in Peace. You will always be remembered. - Posted by: Sherril Martin (Snezyk) (Former student at DMCI) on: Dec 11, 2013
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I had the privilege to coach with Laurie at University of Manitoba and share many victories, losses and laughs. Laurie was a wonderful person that I feel privileged to have known. My thoughts are with you Deb. - Posted by: Carol Ploen-Hosegood (Friend) on: Dec 11, 2013
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I had the opportunity to be taught Phys. Ed. and English by Mr. May and I remember having some good laughs and good conversations in class. Rest In Peace and out of pain now, you are in a better place. - Posted by: Cynthia Whitfield-Laurent (Former Student at D.M.C.I.) on: Dec 06, 2013
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Dear Deb, may Laurie's warmth and kindness always live in our hearts. Joel and I were truly Blessed to have had such incredible, caring neighbours. We will treasure our memories of Laurie, "Mr. May" to our sons, and of the dedication that you had for each other, for your family, friends and students. Our thoughts have been and are with you. God Bless you both. - Posted by: Michele Semchuk (Neighbour of 17 years, St. Norbert) on: Dec 05, 2013
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I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr May. I was privileged to have him as my English teacher. He taught with a unique style that made you want to ask the questions So that you could find the answers. There was never a dull moment in his class and his teaching style made it fun to be in his class. He always had a smile on his face and time for his students. Thanks Mr May, you will be sadly missed by all those whose lives you touched. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Michelle Moore (Former Student DMCI 1979-1982) on: Dec 05, 2013
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I was honored to have Laurie as both my Phys. Ed. teacher and English teacher! He taught both with style, grace and humor! He will be sadly missed by us all. - Posted by: Frank Novak (former student DMCI 1980-83) on: Dec 05, 2013
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Our families were great friends when Laurie and family lived in St Boniface. He was always kind and his ability to make a joke of everything made him a favorite to have around at an early age. My family made a trip to Thompson, Mb. when they lived there and Laurie took me to see Lawrence of Arabia which was a highlight in my life. Unfortunetly we did not stay in touch but I know what a wonderful human being and believe one of the brightest lights has now moved on. I send condolences to all who loved him. - Posted by: Leslie Metcalfe/McNulty (Old Friend) on: Dec 04, 2013
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Laurie was a mentor, role model and very supportive friend. I was honored that he would MC my wedding. In my career at the MHSAA, Laurie always provided assistance whether as a volunteer, advisor or friend. No matter the year or request, he was always there to support the mandate and ideals of the association. His advice was always insightful, supportive and appreciated so very, very much!!! I also Coached at DMCI and he was ALWAYS there to support the work that I did as a Coach and offer assistance with practices, defence, designing offences, etc. More importantly, he was ALWAYS there to support me as a Coach, offering advice and keeping my emotions in perspective. He was a wonderful man and his friendship will always be in my memories. He will be dearly missed. Laurie was an absolutely amazing man. He had a unique way of dealing people that can not be replicated. His attitude was contagious and a pleasure to be around. Laurie and Debbie are wonderful friends of me and my wife. Our thoughts are with Debbie during this difficult time. We wish her all the strength possible to help her through this difficult time. - Posted by: Carey Lasuik (friend at DMCI and through the MHSAAA) on: Dec 03, 2013
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I was very saddened to hear the passing of Laurie and my heart goes out to Deb and the families. We had some fierce battles on the court but Laurie was the consumate professional. Every young teacher / coach would be wise to learn from him. - Posted by: Kevin J Neufeld (Fellow coach) on: Dec 03, 2013
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Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: David Vander Aa (old friend) on: Dec 02, 2013
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I was his respite HCA for less than 3 months. Laurie taught me how to love more my job. He was very thoughtful and understanding to his caregivers, especially to his wife and friend Dave. I will miss Laurie... With thoughts of courage and peace to wife Deb. Thanks to both of you. God to continue His eternal care to you, Laurie. - Posted by: Carmelita (Home care attendant) on: Dec 02, 2013
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R.I.P Mr. May, you are an inspiration and amazing person. Thank you for guiding us as students and sharing your wisdom. Your impact will live on in our everyday successes. - Posted by: Charlene (Former student) on: Dec 01, 2013
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Laurie was instrumental in helping me to find my way as a professional with "heart" Blessed be. - Posted by: Barbera Buffie (former student teacher) on: Dec 01, 2013
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I had the great pleasure of working with and learning from Laurie as his student teacher about 12 years ago. His sense of humor was infectious and he was very kind to me and all of his students. As a teacher, he had that special ability to challenge his students while creating an upbeat atmosphere in the classroom. I consider him to be one of my mentors. On my first day teaching, he left a message on my answering machine wishing me luck. I was very touched that he took the time to let me know he was thinking of me on the first day of my new career. - Posted by: Christina Spafford (Laurie's student teacher) on: Dec 01, 2013
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I was saddened to hear of Laurie's passing. He was a wonderful person and a great friend over the years. His sense of humor and wit will never be copied....the jokes bar none. My sympathies to the family on their loss. I now know that Laurie and Keith will be be having that basketball game in the sky. Rest well my friend. - Posted by: Beverley Boklaschuk (Friend since Elmwood days as well as secretary at Tec-Voc.) on: Dec 01, 2013
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I am really heartbroken to learn of Laurie's passing. What an absolute gem of a person, I will never forget the fun times at DMCI when he would come DAILY into the front office to tease Charlene and I (his name for us was Ug and Ly). With Laurie around, there was never a dull moment. I will choose to remember the razor wit and incorrigible mischief-maker. R.I.P my friend. The world has lost one of its bright lights. - Posted by: Maura Mathurin (Co-worker (Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute)) on: Nov 30, 2013
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