Obituary of John Carl May

May 20, 1930 – October 19, 2021

John was born in Vermillion, AB on May 20, 1930.  He grew up on the family farm at Elk Point, AB with parents Max and Ida May and siblings Gerda, Rita and Gunther.   In 1949 he left home and was employed as a labourer with Imperial Pipeline in Redwater, AB.  One of his first jobs was walking the pipeline in all seasons looking for oil leaks.  Forty years later, after a career that began with Imperial Oil and merged through Westspur, Producers, Dome Petroleum, Amoco Canada and BP he retired as Plant Manager of the Saskatchewan portion of Cochin Pipelines Ltd., Regina. After that first initiation to pipelining he apprenticed and became a Journeyman First Class welder in 1956.   He then transferred to Saskatchewan to become a welding inspector on the Westspur Pipeline from Midale to Cromer, MB. While attending a dance at Kenosee Gardens he met a young student nurse, Vikki Dearlove.  They married on September 15, 1958 and raised two daughters, Wendy and Deanna, while living in Estevan, Redvers and Carlyle. After his retirement in 1990 he formed his own company, JCM Consulting, and worked another 10 years, proudly completing 50 years in the Oil Field. During the 90’s four adorable grandchildren were born; Lucas (Kayla), Calder and Mitchel, sons of Wendy and Lindsay Clark (Estevan) and Kiel Torres, daughter of Dee May (Valemount, BC) and Rolando Torres. Those grandchildren became the focus of his attention; from babyhood, to teens playing sports, to young adults seeking their freedom.  What wonderful memories shared.  John enjoyed nature and outdoor recreation; tenting, boating, canoeing, hiking, skiing and sightseeing at many parks across Canada and USA. Summer highlights with his grandchildren were combined summer vacations at Clark’s cottage at Kenosee Lake, camping trips in the 5th wheel trailer and Time share adventures. He had patience for problem solving, was talented in carpentry and mechanics, and given enough time could “Fix” almost anything.  He will be deeply missed by his loving family and close friends. We sincerely express our appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful staff at RQ Home Care. The Palliative care given to John was phenomenal.