WILLIAM CALVERT MAY

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WILLIAM CALVERT MAY
May 27, 1930 – January 20, 2021

Bill lived a wonderful, loving life and died peacefully in his sleep, at home on January 20, aged 90.
He was predeceased by his parents, Muriel and Fred May. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Gwen (née Pearson); his two sons, Grant (Dawn) and Bruce (Loann "Ut"); and extended family.
Bill was born in Winnipeg at the beginning of the Great Depression. Times were challenging, but his parents still strived to provide their only child with a good family life. As a boy, he spent many an hour at the kitchen table building wooden airplane models with his father, which furthered his interest in aviation; an interest that he passed on to his sons.
Bill grew up in the Riverview area of Winnipeg. It was there where he met some of his life-long friends, Clare Irwin, Gerry Jewers, and Greg Purchase. This group eventually turned into the famous volleyball group, spouses included, that socialized frequently and sometimes even managed to play volleyball. It is also while living in Riverview that Bill met the most significant person in his life - his future wife, Gwen.
After high school Bill spent a year in Kingston at the Royal Military College as an Air Force cadet before starting his professional career as a Chartered Accountant. He spent his early years at Deloitte's, where he made close friends, including, Ken Sutherland, Larry Eiler, and Rich Hutchings. These friends would figure later in Bill's partnerships, Hutchings, May & Co., and May & Eiler.
Bill's first love was to his wife and family. He was very proud of his two sons, with whom he had a loving and close relationship. A quiet, gentle man, Bill had a surprisingly impish sense of humour. He absolutely loved Monty Python's accountant sketches.
He was an ardent gardener and bird-watcher, taking great pleasure in enjoying the outdoors and being surrounded by nature. The family took many camping trips throughout Canada. On one trip, their dog, Lady, a stray they had recently taken in, surprised them with a litter of three puppies. That made this family camping vacation in the campground near Waterton, AB an extra special one.
In keeping with his love of the outdoors, he also enjoyed photography and painting the nature he photographed. His artistic talent was recognized by a colleague, a former World War II pilot, who commissioned Bill to create a painting of one of the pilot's operations - that of flying a Mosquito night intruder mission over France. Gwen thought highly of his artistic talent and was inspired to take up painting herself.
Just as Bill inspired Gwen to paint, it was Gwen who was the impetus behind their travel to destinations like Greece, England, the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, and many trips in the US. Seeing the Grand Canyon was one of his memorable experiences.
Bill had a long run, with good health in mind and body, and lived life the way he wanted. His quiet way and engaging smile will always remain in the hearts of those who love him most dearly.
Cremation has already taken place, and in keeping with Bill's wishes, there will be no service.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE
204-421-5501 – EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2021