In Memoriam

John May

 

On Saturday, February 2, 2002, our dear friend John passed away.

Ever with a smile, a bon vivant quip, perhaps a glass in hand, John approached life with a refreshing outlook even in the face of adversity. We will miss him.

 

To build on the joys that John brought, for yes it is a time to remember and to grieve but it also is the continuation of an eternal journey, we will have some opportunities to express our sentiments.

 

Thursday, February 7, 2002 7 to 9 PM

There will be a remembrance signing at the Rod Abrahams Funeral Home, 150 Queen St., Tottenham

 

Friday, February 8, 2002 11:00AM

A memorial service will be held at The Church of St Mary Magdalene, 116 Church St., Schomberg

 

We welcome any thoughts and remembrances of  John which you may wish to express on this page

 

Remembrances

We will miss you - All the JPs

Paul Maginn, Fred Rumo, Bill Rauenbusch, Steve Elku, Joe Amort, Andy Boljkovac, Sergio Rossi, Ray Panasiuk

Winston Rumo, John May, John Skalos

JPs circa 1994

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My cousin John was a very special person. He always had something good to say about people, was quite religious, and also was a lot of fun. He made our Demolition Derby Weekends at the cottage really special, and everyone expected him to be there. He was a good father and enjoyed his kids, especially teasing them. He made some pretty potent red wine and was very generous in giving it away. We will miss him a tremendous amount, but hopefully he is at peace with himself and is with God.

 

Nancy Cadieux

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It was over twenty years ago

( though it seems like yesterday )

At the Sentry Box on Friday nights

That I got to know John May.

 

A cheerful laugh, a ready wit,

Always quick to buy a round

Of all the crowd I knew back then

A better man could not be found.

 

And if there's a place where good guys meet

Beyond the clouds somewhere

You can lift a glass and lay a bet

That our good friend John is there.

 

Bob Brown

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My dad had me with his first wife, Patty.

In many ways my father was an incredible Dad. He was very lenient with me and allowed me to explore things on my own. When I went astray, instead of laying a heavy hand, he would discuss issues with me so that I could make better choices on my own. From this upbringing, I believe I developed high morals and genuine care and sensitivity. More than this, my Dad was unbelievably fun.

 

When my mother and he divorced, he made it as peaceful as could be and took on the sole task of my daily upbringing. For many years we were inseparable. We had weekly and seasonal routines that were the highlights of my childhood.

 

It is obviously hard losing him, but his memory lives strong in me and I'm sure everyone who knew him.

 

It pains me greatly to know I will no longer have the opportunity to mix his drinks for him while he plays cards (which he had me trained to do since I could walk).

 

Edward May

 

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I remember summers spent with John and Patty, Tim and Ed in Buckhorn (at least two, maybe more?). This is the place that John will always be in my memory. He was always willing to sit on the end of the rickety dock to watch the kids swim or even better, bring us into town for bubblegum ice cream!

 

Thinking back, one of my first memories is of him too, I think we were in Toronto for Nana's funeral, and I was sitting at the bottom of the stairs in Papa's house...and I didn't want to get up because my shoes weren't tied.... He leaned over and showed me how to do bunny ears to tie my shoes. I can still tie my shoes to this day!

 

And perhaps, the most memorable occasion for someone of my generation, it was he who first took me to see StarWars...

 

Miss you Unca John,

 

Rainy                               

         

       Buckhorn circa 1990

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The last thing I'll remember about John is his reminiscence just before Christmas, about him and my mother and their card games with Bruce Warren and me.  Bruce and I were out of the discussion, so it really came down who was the bigger cheater - John or my Mom.

 

Probably wherever my Mom ended up, John will be in the same place, and it ain't necessarily heaven (but it will be a fun place).

 

Thanks John for the good memories, not just of you, but of you in a real life situation and an opportunity to remember my Mom and you at your "cheatin' best". "

 

Paul Maginn

 

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This is for you John - sandals, white robe and all.

 

Although we took different paths in life you helped me create Tim and Ed and for that I thank you.

 

During our conversations over the years I heard in your voice the love for Jake and Stacey and I'm am so glad you had them in your life.

 

You tried your best - you are a good man.

 

I'll see you and I promise I won't nag.

 

Love Patti

 

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Subject: Uncle John

I remember when me and Sheena were little we used to go up to the cottage to spend the weekend (week) with Uncle John and Aunt Les!! He would take me and Sheen into town to buy Gum!! We looked forward to that so much!! He was always the first one up in the morning making breakfast!! Bacon and Eggs ( only two pieces of bacon each there wasn't that much)... I would be able to smell it from my room!! He was always happy!! Never upset!! He taught me and Sheen how to mix drinks for him and Uncle Ricky!! I'll never forget the tips Sheen and I made at family parties and get together!! He would take me out in boat just for a spin around the lake!! He liked to joke around...but when the time came he would be very serious! He was always happy to spend time with his niece's and nephews!! Never too busy for any of us!! I remember playing dice with him...(we used to joke with him that he cheats!) Even though you can't really cheat! The thing I will remember most though is him playing cards!! At every family thing he would play cards with the rest of the May/Smith/Robb get together! He was a great man and a great uncle!! I'm going to miss you uncle John! I love you very much and I will NEVER forget you! I know you are looking down on all of us! Watching over Jake and Stacey, Tag and Aunt Les!! I love You Uncle John 

Love Always

Caity Robb

 

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Dear John:

 

As the last born in our family, you played a significant role in my childhood. You were my protector, defender and the best idea guy for "Let's have fun!'  My parents used to bowl regularly on Thursday nights and I was left with you and Ricky.  Many games of "knives" were played in the dark basement and many very loud sing-alongs (This is the House of the Rising Sun.............) held, with you pounding on that old family piano. Sometimes you two brothers would even let me play hockey (only if they were desperate for players) on our backyard rink ! You two had such great times together as boys, young men and even as "mature?"  adults.  I love them both dearly!

 

While growing up and even as a young adult, I had this recurring dream.  I would be running up Albany Avenue on a very dark night, while some "monster" was chasing me. Just as the monster would reach out to grab me, you would open the front door, pull me into the house and bang it shut!   Then, I always woke up!  You always saved me.....

 

When it was time for me to decide what to do after high school, I knew that I really, really wanted to go to university.  My parents were not very supportive of this idea .I was able over time to convince my Dad but my mother was a different story.  You finally said, "Leave it to me, I'll look after her. Don't talk about it any more until I talk to her."  The next night, you came over to the apartment that Mom and Dad lived in, told me to go and stay overnight at your place with Patti, got mom involved in a long drawn out game of Rummy and some how or other, convinced her to let me go. After that night, my mom and I never again argued about the pros and cons of university.  You worked your magic and she accepted the idea that I was going to U of T in September 1969.   Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

 

Another "special" memory of you that I cherish, happened on May 17, 1974. It had rained hard all day.  As a matter of fact, it had rained for three or four days straight (our dad's basement had flooded, ask Ricky about that!). At about 5 o'clock, the rain stopped and the sun began to shine, weakly at first, but then more confidently.  Many rainbows appeared, one in your own backyard on Kenilworth. You laid out cardboard on your back lawn, so that I, as a bride, could stand on it (and wouldn't get my fancy shoes muddy) and have my picture taken with a rainbow peaking out behind a tree.  You drove dad and I to the church that evening and as we got out of that grey Scamp (?) you handed me my bouquet, hugged me and said, "I love you!"

 

 

I love you John.  I am so thankful that I have the honour of being one of your sisters.

 

Cindy

 

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Always known to me as Johnnymay.

 

I met him on my first day of work in Canada, which was pretty much my first day in the country, from England, July 1974.

 

He was the original diamond in the rough.

 

The first thing he taught me that night in the Sentry Box was : Canadian beer is stronger than English beer.

 

In all the years between then and now, I have always valued the generosity of his heart. He was living proof that all you need is love.

 

The rest doesn't amount to a hill of beans.

 

I'll miss you, Johnnymay, but I'll never forget you.

 

Stephen Thursby

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My Uncle Johnny…thank you for:

 

Adventure Week at the cottage ­ letting Ed and me do whatever we wanted

the entire time

 

Every time you yelled “Why me” or touched something mechanical and it

broke

 

Having that Black Cloud follow you wherever you went ­ it made us all

laugh

 

All the times you took us water-skiing even though you were hung over

 

Letting us sing “are you sleeping…are you sleeping Uncle John” outside

of your bedroom window

 

Being the King of the One Liners ­ we groaned at every one

 

All of the times you played Charades and Shaft until 15 o’clock on the

morning at the cottage

 

Taking the windshield off of the blue boat so it would go faster

 

Knowing how to incorporate betting into any sporting event or card game

 

All of the times at the racetrack you gave us tips on which horses to

bet on…we picked whichever ones you didn’t

 

Throwing water over unsuspecting paddle boaters once they came out of

the causeway

 

Giving me my first (and only) glass of Dom Perignon

 

Letting me make you about a million Rye and Coke’s over the course of

your life (I sipped most of them). To this day, I can go to the liquor

store and choose a good Rye versus a bad Rye based on price point

 

Teaching me that if I am a good person God will take care of me and I

will see you again one day…

 

I will never forget…forever missed

 

Jennifer

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I remember John and Patti spending the weekend with us, babysitting in 1971.  John taught me how to make bread.  His advice was:  always add extra sugar, it will give you the reputation for being a good cook.  Good advice.

 

Karen Mellish-May

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John was a great and a many faceted man. However much we grieve his passing, we must celebrate his very rich life and give thanks for the way he touched everyone who knew him. John was a wonderful and loyal friend to many. I particularly remember John's great sense of humour - always a wry quip in his voice and always a huge smile on his face. We will all miss him a great deal but with a great sense of gratitude - and humour - for having had the privilege of counting him a friend.

 

Bill Rauenbusch

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I have known John May for most of my adult life. We first met in September of 1972, and yes he still had hair. My wife-to-be (Cindy) had taken me to have diner with her brother. More than a little nervous and with sweaty palms, I tenuously entered the house on Kenilworth Ave. John was, then, as he would always be, a warm, welcoming, gregarious person, who immediately put me at ease.

Over the next thirty years, John was to remain a constant in my family’s life. He would bring friendship, laughter, compassion, and a tremendous zest for life to my family. Like all that knew him, I desperately would like to share a few more thoughts with him.

 

So John, thank you:

 

For making it easy to meet a little sister's big brother

For letting Cindy and I come over on Saturdays and eat all of the cookies, and do our weekly washing at your house

For trusting me to take Fast Eddie on long walks on the boardwalk

For loaning me that beat up old car when mine wouldn’t work

For reading over our first mortgage to make sure nothing was amiss

For allowing me to crawl through your 2nd floor bedroom window when you were in bed reading a book

For flashing the jogger in Pantry Park (even if it did turn out to be the wrong person)

For helping Rick and myself get Frank over the 8-foot fence to go to the bar at Neil Mc Neil

For visiting Cindy when she was in the Hospital

For giving Kaylyn her teddy bear when she was sick in hospital

For coming to Iain’s soccer game

For wrestling with Iain in the basement

For those Saturday visits with Jake and Stacey

For dancing with my mother at her 40th wedding anniversary

 

 

As an only child I never had the joys of brothers or sisters, but you served as a bridge into the extended family of the May’s and for that I thank you.

 

My family and I will miss your smile, your warmth, your friendship, your wisdom, and your guidance.

 

Godspeed John!

 

Your brother-in-law,

James

 

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"Never stay with Johnny May!"  That was the mantra for those of us who occasionally played poker and brag with John. It meant that John was not inclined to bluff. If he stayed in the hand, chances are he was holding better cards than you.

 

That was John. He didn't bluff, he didn't b.s..

 

Well ... maybe he did bluff a little at the poker table. 'Cause he knew we wouldn't "stay with Johnny May". So how many pots did he steal from us? We'll never know, will we.

 

We're gonna miss him. 

 

 

Bruce McCallum

 

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john

my remembrance of you goes back to when you were 8 years old through to the age of  around 17

Albany Ave -- card games and tossing the football around Leonard's Beach --swimming and lappin up the sun

Alcona Golf -- you, rick, and me trying to teach you guys to play

you came to see me in the hospital when i wasn't doing so good,i remember it was so great seeing you again after a lot of years.

YOU WERE A GREAT KID AND GREW TO BE A GREAT ADULT

 

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES JOHN

 

Jim Robb

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Technically, John was my brother in law, but actually he was my brother. I've been trying to think about those amazing times, those special moments; but the truth is every single time he was with us was amazing. Really! The Buckhorn years with family and friends, the theatre nights, the parties, the family events, the times that Rick, John and I went out on the town or just sat around and played cards  - even in our kitchen a little over a week ago we found ourselves in hysterical laughter. He always had a twist, he thought differently, he was so special and so important to this family. We have lost a part of ourselves but we know he is where he always wanted to be. Hopefully, there's rye there.

 

Love Barby

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My Memories of Johnny May

 

About 10 ½ years ago I met John.  My first impressions and thoughts of John were that he was a fun, likable guy.  A “party guy”, and this was great cause I was nervous about meeting my girlfriend’s extended family.  The first time I visited the cottage John, Leslie, and family made me feel like I was born into the family.  As time went by, and months turned to years, I also realized that John was just not a “party guy”.  John was an extremely passionate person.  Probably one of the most passionate people I will ever have the pleasure of knowing.  John was passionate about many things in his life ­ there are too many to list but the major ones are ­ playing games, partying, working, gaining knowledge, sports (who would have thought there was a bigger LEAF fan than me) family, his wife and children and most importantly too him he was passionate about religion and his relationship with GOD.

 

To me, his passion for life is his legacy and that will continue on in my memory and in those of the people who knew him. I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m glad to have experienced many things with him.  Most recently was the Mexican Christmas party. There was also the annual golf trip to Homestead.  By the way John, I hope you enjoyed the two downhill spinouts in the golf cart on the 11th hole as much as I did.  It was also great to hear a cry of “why me” on almost every hole that day.

 

I could go on for hours about memories but I think I’ll end here with a quote from my favorite movie which I think fits John quite nicely, the quote is from  Braveheart “every man dies but not every man truly lives”.  John, it is my hope that one day we will meet again to play a game of euchre, you were the best partner I ever had. You will be irreplaceable in this lifetime.

 

Lots of love, Philly May

 

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My Great Uncle John

 

 What a truly amazing person! My first memories of Uncle John are of get-togethers at their Toronto home, visits when we would ride the train with Nana Joan and Uncle John would pick us up at the train station, and of coarse the cottage in Buckhorn. Who could forget the cottage??? I have learned many important life lessons from Uncle John to name a few; mixing drinks (very important I'm told), and how to organize a euchre tournament. Uncle John was a generous and kind man, not many people would carry a 16 year old on their shoulders for an afternoon. My Uncle John was a great man and I will miss him very much, he will forever be in my heart!!

 

Sheena Robb

 

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My Uncle John.....

 

When I was much smaller, I always thought John and Ricky and Cindy were these huge strong people that I should be like. They knew what was right and they did what was cool. Lake Simcoe, the tree fort back in the bush, the diving platform and the store on the beach. These memory's and my uncle's and aunt twist together.

 

As an adult, or nearly so, I got to spend time with John again.

 

Now it was time at Buckhorn, cards, fun times, cards, family get togethers and kids games, some more cards and lot of laughter. I saw how he treated people in general, then how he treated his kids. And us.

 

I learned a lot about patience and understanding.

I saw a lot of what I wanted to be, and I hope I took some of that away with me.

 

We regrouped again at my brother's house in Parry Sound. Cards, horse shoes, laughter and work.  My brother always had some jobs to do. He had my daughters twisted around his little finger, through his time and efforts he spent on them. My grand daughter thought he was the Best! She so looked forward to spending time with him.  Again I saw his love for the people around him and I wanted a part of that to be in me.

 

I think I'm a better man than I would have been without you, for that I thank you very much.

 

You will remain close to me forever, always a piece of me.

 

Pete

 

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Memories, Thoughts of John

 

How does one articulate the thoughts to convey the love, the memories, the loss?  What is the measure of a man?  Is it the diplomas he's achieved, is it his monetary value?  The value of a person is in the memories he's created, the lives he's touched, the people that will incredibly miss him.

 

John has meant a great deal to a number of people.  Tributes of his generousity, his patience, his love of family are a testament to the greatness of this person/uncle/great uncle/great-great uncle. We will miss the goofy jokes, the breakfasts, the euchre organization, the horseshoes, the drinks, the discussions, the gentleness, the patience!   

 

You impacted our lives in a positive way, Uncle John, we'll miss you.   

 

Rosalie 

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John was/is my best friend. He has been all of my life. Other than when I was in the Air Force, I can't remember a time longer than a month, that we didn't talk or meet. Even then, we could always pick up where we had left off.

 

We thrived on each other, grew up together, played together, lived together. In effect we were inseparable. We defended each other, made excuses for each other, took on all rivals, embraced each others accomplishments. Made no judgments, made no demands.

 

We expected each other to be there, when we needed each other. In my younger years, he was there, for me, more often, than me, for him. Still, through thick and thin, we were the "Fabulous May Brothers".

 

My memories of John, come flooding in, everywhere I turn, every picture I see, everyone I meet, everyone that calls. Too many to write, too many to say, too many to separate.

 

I love my brother, my best friend. I'm going to miss him terribly. He's on my shoulder, he's at my back, he's with me always.

 

Poor Barb and Jennifer, I'll have to talk to them now.

 

Rosebud

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Forty-eight years of such wonderful memories!! The marvellous times at the cottage, and when you came to visit Don and I. The bridge games with you and I as partners, against Rick and Don. ( we usually won) How much fun you were for all of the children, mine, yours and all. How they all loved you. I will miss you so much.....You were a super brother in law.

 

Love Gloria

 

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John; I love you, and will always miss you.

 

Your big brother, Don

 

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My dear Friend Johnny

 

I have known you for 30 years, and during all these years we have always kept an incredible friendship. You've helped me set up my own business (with the help of Cindy). You've taught me to understand English when it is spoken at an incredible speed. And that really helped me in life.

 

During these 30 years I have known you we have spent some great relaxing times together, and on many occasions. I will never forget all that incredible excitement that came with it. My three children too always loved it when you dropped by. You were not like everybody else, you were a great guy. Someone who calls a spade a spade and someone who had an incredible sense of humour.

 

Stéphane, who is in France, was quick to recall that great day he had with you and Rick on Xmas eve playing hockey in the driveway. Alain and Monique reminded me of that great week-end we spent at your cottage. Monique remembered so well having her hand caught in the bubble-gum machine!!!! And Alain was nearly pulled over in the water when he caught that huge sunfish at the end of the dock. Not to mention the trips in the paddle boat, the speed boat and the badminton games. They had a ball and loved sleeping in the tent by the water.  Stéphane always had a great time discussing baseball and hockey with you. My dear Johnny, you were a great man, a great father, a great brother, a great friend and a terrific 421 player. We will all miss you tremendously.

 

Jacko

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Daddy

Dad with my mom (including Ralph) will always be the sparkling diamond of my heart. The memories will never be forgotten. My dad taught me to ride my bike (even though I crashed into the walls a few times……………. a few!!!??? More like a million!), to skate, even to read Dr. Seuss books together. I was always so excited to see another Dr. Seuss book to read.  He’d read one page I’d read another but he always had the funny voices. I’ll always remember playing the keyboard (his tunes sounded better of course) Dad as well had a very, very, very sweet tooth! When I made brownies, they wouldn’t last a day, always gone before mom had any.

 

Dad would always complain on how my bed was comfier than his and how he would get it when I moved out. Growing up with my dad was a fun experience that I will not forget as long as I live. I’ll forever miss him in my 11 years as well his really dumb jokes, some I didn’t even get myself (Bilbo Baggins in Bently & bout-K) I know you’ll watch over us so we’ll make it through. 

 

Luv Always

~ *Staci*~

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If the measure of a man's worth is based upon the effect he has made on other individuals, John May was a king among men.

John has influenced my life in so many ways. His advice on everything is intertwined in the way that I live my life and the actions that I take. John once told me the worst automobile drivers are "Men wearing hats", to this day if I notice a hat on someone ahead of me I give them a little extra room.

 John was a great literary critic. If a book  was "John recommended" I knew it would be a great read. The summers spent at the cottage were the best of my youth. Making drinks, Drambuie and coffee with whipped cream among numerous others, swimming, water-skiing, fishing, playing cards and later the Turkey trots and Easter Egg hunts (trading for the liquor filled chocolates).

John had a great sense of humour, even today when I come up with the world's worst pun I think to myself "that’s a John".

I don’t know if John ever knew how great an effect he has had on my life, through the way he lived his life and the way he interacted with other people, his marriages, his children, I have learned so much from him and I would just like to say now, Thank you John May for making me a better person.

 

Andrew May

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Most of my memories of Uncle John take place at the cottage. At the cottage, my favourite thing to do was to go out on the boat with Uncle John. I would look forward to going out on the boat with him all day. I can still remember how exciting it was when he drove fast and the way my stomach dropped when we went over waves. What I remember most about our boat rides are the times when he let me steer. I can remember how grown-up I felt because driving was something only adults were allowed to do. I remember feeling so lucky that I had an Uncle who let me do grown-up things because getting to be like a grown-up is what every kid wants. I will never forget how special I felt when Uncle John used to take me out on his boat.

Love to you, Uncle John
Kaylyn

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Most of what I know about Uncle John comes form the stories my mother told me of when they were growing up. The silly things they did like, the time he and uncle Ricky tied my mum to a tree and went home without her, or when they would only let her play hockey if she would only play goal.
When I was very young he would let me go for rides in the paddle boat at the cottage but only after I had washed it. Later he would bring Jake and Stacy for a visit and would wrestle with us in the basement.
The Uncle John that I knew was a happy man who loved to laugh, tease me, and have fun. He loved his family and I will miss him dearly.
 

Iain

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             I  met john in may of 1957. that summer and the following year we spent the  summer at don and glo's cottage at stroud ontario. as young teens,he was 14 and i was 16. along with ricky we became great friends . we spent the summer golfing,swimming,going to dances  and babysitting karen. we also probably had our first beers in our lives. one memory i have is of the night we took don's car without permission.ask your aunt and uncles. over the years i only saw john a few more times,but our memories always took us back to those two summers. john was a person who i considered a good friend and brings back fond  memories.

 thanks john. 

hazen mellish,medicine hat

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Dear Brother:

 

I have just been reading again the messages of remembrance from all you friends and relations.

 

My thoughts have been traveling back to when we were very young. Do you remember walking all the way back to Albany Ave. from Christie Pits on our ice skates because it was too cold to change into our boots? By the time we got home we had both just about peed our pants, but Mom wouldn't let us into the house with our skates on. Just after this, Dad  built the toilet in the laundry room so we didn't have to change out of our outdoor things before we came in.

 

How about the time at Christie Pits when you skated down the Royal Bumps and broke your collar bone. You went around for a day without telling the parents because this had been one of the forbidden things to do.

 

I feel that you are just around the corner, just down the street, waiting to jump out from behind a tree. You are still with me.

 

See you soon.

 

Love

Judy

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Who was John May?  He was a life loving human being, a deeply religious man, a stubborn son of a gun, an opinionated man, thought provoking man, a friend, a "family" man, a father, a stepfather, a grandfather, a brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle, a great uncle, a great great uncle, and most importantly, my husband, friend & lover. 

These past several weeks many memories and thoughts have been present in my mind.  I can't get over some the ironies surrounding our lives together - the very first time John asked me out was on February 2nd (I couldn't go because of a prior commitment) so we arranged to go out to dinner on my birthday February 4th.  Sixteen years to the very day, I had John as a permanent part of my life.  He proposed to me February 8th (at the cottage in Buckhorn).  I know what you must be thinking, and no, he was not a man to "waste time"!  I didn't give John an answer to his proposal until February 14th, the day he gave me a mauve rose and a kiddie's valentines card every hour on the hour.  By the end of the work day I had 10 mauve roses and 10 valentines cards (which I still have to this day).  The next day we went to look for an engagement ring, the ring we chose had 2 sapphires and 1 diamond in the setting.  When John actually put the ring on my finger he said. "the diamond is you and the sapphires are Jason & Tegan, I am marrying the three of you".  I will never forget the laughter we shared on the night he phoned all this brother's and sisters to tell them we were getting married.  All said congratulations but to whom????  John chose our wedding day, April 11th, because he said "I will never forget our anniversary because it will be the day after Tim's birthday".  So very much a John thing ~ ha ha. 

Looking over the hundreds of photographs I have of our lives together bring back floods of memories - Oglivy & Mather - Jello Bowl & Summer Toronto Island Picnics.  Jamaica & Mexico - what awesome vacations.  Buckhorn - wow!, the annual family "Easter Egg Hunt" & "Turkey Trot" Weekends - laughs, fights & more laughs, the kids "Adventure Weeks", the May meet May weekend.  Gooderham - Derby Weekends.  J.P. parties, New Year's Eve parties, Halloween parties, and parties for no reason.  The births of Jake & Staci and their lives in Toronto, Buckhorn & Schomberg.  Tim, Ed, Jason & Tegan and their lives.  The love of John's life ~ his first grandchild, Claudia ~ how he adored her.  Children ~ all children ~ it didn't matter who they were, John loved them and they him, all the pictures show this.  Camping trips to Algonquin.  Poker nights.  Fishing trips.  Curling Bonspiels.  Parbusters?.  Parry Sound.  North Bay.  These things and many many more showed that John loved life and loved all who shared it with him. 

The memories have been flooding back ~ what a life you had John!  What a life we shared!  I thank God every day for you having been a part of my life.  For giving me Jake & Staci, who are constant reminders of you.  I will forever miss you, your laughter and your smile. 

Till we meet again my love, ~ All my love always & forever ~ Leslie

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Dad did many things in life that he thought he could do better than me in. For example the week be for his passing me and dad went to uncle ricks and on the way back home we went to wimpys because i was hungry, so we went in i ordered 1 wimpy famous style burger, 1 salad, 2 cokes. so dad comes in and orders the same except he had a poutine in stead of a salad and of course he couldn't even finish the poutine wile i finished it all.

Over all dad was great even though he did mess up a lot and to say something some wise man said "Why Me!?"

JACOB

JOHNATHAN

JARVIS

MAY

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Fred