Obituary of Richard May

The death of Richard Leo May occurred on February 7, 2012, after a lengthy period of failing health at Ridgewood Veterans Wing. Born in Saint John, he was the husband of Mary (O’Leary) May, and the son of the late Carroll Leo and Kathleen Ann (LeGoffe) May. His mother affectionately known as “Mum May” lived with him for over 30 years. He was predeceased by sisters Mary Kinney, Patricia Collrin, Ann Hunter, Barbara Isaac, Margaret and Susan May, as well as brothers Daniel, John and Paul May. Many Saint Johner's will remember Richard for his artistic talent. He had a penchant for the Sea and many of his paintings depict Seascapes. He won many awards at various Art Exhibits over the years and his works traveled to many Maritime galleries. Of particular pride for him was having one of his paintings on display at the Lord Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton. Next to painting Richard loved his gardens and he enjoyed having Bridal parties come to have wedding photos taken in his blooming backyard. One of the last surviving Veterans of the Korean War. Richard served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Prior to that he had worked in construction for Dominion Bridge in Churchill, Manitoba. While in Korea, Richard suffered a back injury that would remain with him for the rest of his life, upon returning to Saint John, Richard worked for various Saint John companies including Maritime Gardens and served as a Receiving Manager at K-Mart and Zellers. He later joined the Corps of Commissionaires serving at such Saint John institutions as UNB, Point Lepreau, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Ridgewood Veterans Wing. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus F.M. Lockery Assembly and Council #8094 Father Beck Assembly. Richard was also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion #69 Branch attending every Remembrance Day Ceremony until most recently.He was also a member of the Saint John Chapter of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association. Richard will be remembered for his dedication to family and his love of life. He has a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that stretched almost from ear to ear. Together with Mary his wife of 53 years, they shared a love of family and a passion for travelling. He is survived by one brother David May, of Alberta, three sisters, Nancy, Mrs. William Kirk of Quispamsis, Jane, Mrs. Merle Hoben, of Saint John and Kathleen, Mrs. Peter Gee, of Upper Golden Grove. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephew, extended family and friends. He shared A special bond with nieces Barbara, Linda, Irene, and Jeannie, grandniece Pamela who lived with him for many years. Resting at Castle “Fallsview” Funeral Home 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John West (634-1701) with visiting on Thursday, February 9th and Friday February 10, 2012 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00am at St. Rose of Lima Church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #69 will hold a tribute service at 7:00 pm Friday evening. The Knights of Columbus will hold a tribute service at 7:30 pm Friday evening. Donations to the War Amps or the Children’s Wish Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be placed at www.castlefh.com