John Robert May
May 10, 2014
Peacefully at Parkwood Hospital after 94 well-lived years. Dad was the 2nd oldest of 10 children. He was born in Toronto and grew up in Midland. He is survived by his high school sweetheart June Hager with whom he recently celebrated 73 years of marriage. He will be sadly missed by his son Stephen, favourite daughter-in-law Ruth, and grandchildren Kristen, Jason, Jacob, Alexander, Jordan and Joseph. His beloved daughter Judi died in 2012. Also survived by siblings Joyce, Joan, Norman, and David (Barbara). Predeceased by parents Florence and Henry May, siblings Norah, Esther, Ruth, George, and Douglas. He leaves behind many friends and family members who regret his passing. As a Squadron Leader with the RCAF during the war he flew 34 sorties and was awarded the DFC. In recent years he served as president for the 426 ‘Thunderbird’ Squadron Association for many years. He was a graduate of the University of Toronto, and a long term (35 years) manager with London Life. Family, community, and church were key components of his life. He was a devoted friend, and worked hard at maintaining relationships that spanned 70 plus years. Hated to miss a football or hockey game with the grandchildren and loved any family gathering. Dad loved to fish and was an avid golfer, and had no trouble finding water for both. Dad had a long and healthy life, and he lived it well. Cremation. Memorial service will be conducted at Byron United Church at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014. Reception will follow. Donations to Byron United Church would be appreciated.
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Dear June and family I am so sorry to hear of Jacks passing , he was definitely a special person. We enjoyed meeting both of you for lunch in Orillia. We send you our love and please take care . Love Don and Liz
(Donated to Byron United Church)
(Donated to Byron United Church)
With great sadness on hearing that Jack has passed away .We only met once when he stayed with us on his final trip to England .You could not of met a nicer person.A loving husband to June for 73 years who was so proud of all his family .Will always be in our memory Kathleen,Malcolm,Samantha,Lewis and little Callum from England
We are sorry that we will be unable to attend Jack's service today at Byron United Church. He was always a welcoming presence to our family while we attended there. We have confidence in Jesus that Jack has joined the cloud of witnesses and we know we will see him again. Jeff & Patsy Ste.Marie & family.
Dear June, So sorry to hear the news about Jack. Both Gordon and I send our condolences to you and your family. You and Jack were very good friends to my Mom, Edna, for many, many years. Our family will never forget the wonderful eulogy Jack gave when Mom passed. Thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Jill and Gordon Arthur
Dear Aunt June, Stephen, Ruth and family. Saddened to hear of your loss. We will always remember Uncle Jack and his gentleness, kindness and wit, and those long silent pauses in our telephone conversations. So enjoyed visiting with him on the Waverley farm, at his home in London, Ontario and at the few reunions we could get to. We have had the priviledge of having both Aunt June and Uncle Jack to our home in Mission, BC to discover while having dinner with our neighbour that the men both knew many RCAF friends in common. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family as May 27 approaches. Uncle Jack was very instrumental in having all of us come together for my mother's, his sister Norah's memorial 3 years ago. Even thought miles apart we love you, take care.
Dear June, we are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. We truly enjoyed having him for a neighbour. We always looked forward to his stories he shared at the neighbourhood get togethers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear June, Clair and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family on Jack's death. We will treasure the memories of times spent together, always remembering Jack's wonderful wit, intelligence and sense of propriety. Love, Audrey and Clair
June, Stephen, Ruth and family. My and my families sincere condolences on the passing of John. June, it was 30 years ago this month that you, John, Fred and Jean were at the 426 Thunderbird Squadron re-union in York. Then off to Germany and Austria. Another wonderful trip like your 426 re-union in 1976. Perhaps distant memories but my fond memories too from passed down tales I recall and from some pictures of the four of you. To remind me of the bond that I know Fred and Jean cherished with both of you. I say this as I know John lived a wonderful life and this was a small part of it. But what character he exampled for all of us no matter how little, like me, actually knew of him. How great your love for him showed. I am proud that my parents came to know both John and June. The closing hymn at the 1984 re-union was "Faith of Our Fathers." How fitting now. God bless you John May and family. Surely John will be with other heroes now On Wings Of Fire. Brian and Lisa Fones
Dear Aunt June, Steve, Ruth and family So sorry to hear of Uncle Jack's passing. We will always remember him with fond memories, from all the May reunions. He was such a gentle, caring human being. Our kids often speak of Uncle Jack and the reunions and how much they looked forward to those family gatherings. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love to all Brenda and David and family
Steve , Ruth & Family So sorry to read about your Dad in this morning's paper. It sounds like he was a really great guy. Loved your humor about the water in the write up! Our thoughts are with you. Bill & Sue
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May it help knowing others care, and you can throw your anxiety on God Almighty. Psalms 55:22
Dear June and Family: I was sad to hear the news about Jack. He was an old world gentleman and always made me laugh whenever we met. Know I am thinking of you and sending love. Janet
We held Jack in high regard. You are all in our thoughts.
June, I am so sorry that you have lost your beloved husband, Jack. I don't know if you will remember me, but I used to babysit for you and Jack when he would take you out for an evening.... about 62 years ago... this was when you lived on McKay Ave and also a few times after you moved out to Byron. I saw your anniversary in the paper recently, and thought about sending you a card then , but sadly, I didn't do it. All the best to you, June. I always think of you fondly. .
We're glad we got the opportunity to see you on Sunday. Seeing that you are doing so well is wonderful. We will always have fond memories of Jack. He has been a large part of our lives. With love Dave and Andrea Lee.
Thinking of June and family at this difficult time. I have great admiration for John and appreciated the friendship you both had with my parents, Howie and Edna. I am very glad that I got to spend a little time with John at the 2010 426 Squadron Association Reunion in Trenton. Hold close all of your great memories. John will never be truly gone while he is still in the hearts and memories of those whose lives he touched.
With love and prayers to the whole family on the loss of a true Officer & Gentleman You have left us with lots of wonderful memories May you rest in peace John (Jack) From all The Mitchener Family in England
So sorry to hear of Mr. May's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sorrowful time.
June, Steve and family So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a good man and it was a pleasure to have known him as a neighbour and a friend. I have many good memories....Hugs to you
We are sorry to learn of your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a privilege to have known John during my years with the 426 Squadron Association a treasurer. We remember fondly the various reunions in past years. Gisela and Manfred Brunotte
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