Discussion: Dr. Douglas Barry May, 1943-2005
in: Orienteering; General
Nov 13, 2005 3:39 PM
#
bmay:
Dear Friends,
On November 1, I lost my Dad, Barry May. He died of a heart attack while attending a medical meeting in Montreal. He was an incredibly important person in my life and he will be greatly missed.
Abbi, Rachel, Trond and I returned to Newfoundland for his funeral and spent last week there. I include some words I spoke at the funeral below. On the day following the funeral, we hiked to the Look Out (a hill overlooking the valley he lived in) to spread his ashes. It was a good outing, with 20 or so people hiking the 2-3 km + 1000 ft vertical to get up to the top. And it was a day Dad would have enjoyed - a little cool, a little rainy and very windy - the sort of day that makes a person feel alive.
We spent very valuable time together as family, remembering the good times and being thankful for them. There was some sadness, but also a lot of joy and a surprising amount of good humour. We are very thankful that he got to spend the last decade or so with us, with Abbi and Nicole joining the family along with grand-kids Rachel, Trond, and Skyler. We will remember him fondly.
Sincerely,
Brian
On November 1, I lost my Dad, Barry May. He died of a heart attack while attending a medical meeting in Montreal. He was an incredibly important person in my life and he will be greatly missed.
Abbi, Rachel, Trond and I returned to Newfoundland for his funeral and spent last week there. I include some words I spoke at the funeral below. On the day following the funeral, we hiked to the Look Out (a hill overlooking the valley he lived in) to spread his ashes. It was a good outing, with 20 or so people hiking the 2-3 km + 1000 ft vertical to get up to the top. And it was a day Dad would have enjoyed - a little cool, a little rainy and very windy - the sort of day that makes a person feel alive.
We spent very valuable time together as family, remembering the good times and being thankful for them. There was some sadness, but also a lot of joy and a surprising amount of good humour. We are very thankful that he got to spend the last decade or so with us, with Abbi and Nicole joining the family along with grand-kids Rachel, Trond, and Skyler. We will remember him fondly.
Sincerely,
Brian
Nov 13, 2005 3:39 PM
#
bmay:
Report from Western Star:
Friday, November 4, 2005
Corner Brook physician, volunteer dies at 62
By CLIFF WELLS
CORNER BROOK - Dr. Barry May, who practised internal medicine in the city for 28 years, died Tuesday in Montreal. He was 62.
Dr. May came to the city in 1977 to work at Western Memorial Regional Hospital. His interest in the pursuit of medicine is legendary in the city, but perhaps cross-country skiing is what he was best known for.
He will be missed by his wife Judy, sons Andrew (and wife Nicole) and Brian (Abbi) and grandchildren Skyler, Rachel and Trond. Also left to mourn are his brother Kenneth and sister Marilyn, sister-in-law Suzanne Black and her husband Gary Murphy, brother-in-law Theodore Black and his wife Charlene Trappe-Black, nephew Michael Martinez and niece Ginny Black.
The soft-spoken, American-born doctor was one of the founders of Blow Me Down Cross Country Ski Park.
Ian Graham, president of the club was a good friend of Dr. May.
“In the past he was more active than he has been recently, but he’s up there every day skiing,” said Graham. "He was a strong member. The club was important to him and of course Judy. Judy’s been on the executive as well and has been since its inception. He’s been right there having some role in the club. If he wasn’t in a formal position, he always made his opinions known and was always working for the good of the club. He will be missed.”
He said it’s hard to think of Dr. May’s history with the club because of their close, personal affiliation.
“It’s hard for me to distance myself because I grew up with the Mays, being a Graham,” he said. “We went everywhere and did everything together. The back-country skiing and the trips we went on, we still do them. We were still doing them last year. He was an active guy.”
Dr. Tony Tavenor, an internal medicine specialist and a partner of Dr. May, said the void left by Dr. May will be palpable.
“Barry is irreplaceable from a medical point of view, which is just his obvious contribution,” said Dr. Tavenor. “His other big contribution was he was a giant from a community point of view with his contribution to the cross-country ski club and other volunteer organizations.
“He was an incredible family man. His most important role as far as he was concerned was his kids and his grandkids. He was irreplaceable in all three roles. Obviously we’re all shocked and saddened by his passing. He was so well when he left here, so vibrant.”
He said Dr. May’s patients and almost everybody who goes through the doors of Western Memorial Regional Hospital owe him a debt of gratitude.
“He’s been a senior member in our internal medicine group for almost 30 years,” he said. “He’s been instrumental in developing the intensive care unit the way it is now.
“He’s been a big supporter of our cancer treatment programs. He’s pushed forward cancer treatment not only in this part of the province, but the whole province years beyond where it would have been without him. He’s been a backbone of the dialysis unit for years. There’s no way you can overstate what he’s contributed around here.
“He was about to end his position as chief of medicine in the next coming weeks. It makes it doubly sad. We don’t have anybody to take up for him. No one person ever will. You won’t find anybody will all the facets of Barry May ever again.”
Dr. Ken Jenkins, vice-president of medical services for the Western Regional Integrated Health Authority, said the void left by Dr. May won’t be easily filled.
“It was a huge shock to us to hear of Barry’s death,” said Dr. Jenkins. “It’s going to have a very significant impact on us. Barry was a big player in our organization in many ways.
“Certainly as a clinician, as a leader in our medical community at the time of his death he was serving as our chief of medicine and as a colleague to many of the medical staff, nursing staff and everybody else who came in touch with him, it’s going to be a big loss. He served a major role in our intensive care unit.”
Dr. Jenkins said the entire region mourns the loss of Dr. May.
“This is a major loss for us within the western region,” he said. “Most of all Barry is known and respected as a person who cares for his patients, is highly regarded by the people who worked with him as person and as a doctor. It’s a very sad occasion for us. Our thoughts go to Judy and his family at this time.”
Dr. May was cremated in Montreal. A memorial service is slated for 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the First United Church in Corner Brook
Friends may visit Fillatre’s Funeral Home on St. Marks Avenue Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, November 4, 2005
Corner Brook physician, volunteer dies at 62
By CLIFF WELLS
CORNER BROOK - Dr. Barry May, who practised internal medicine in the city for 28 years, died Tuesday in Montreal. He was 62.
Dr. May came to the city in 1977 to work at Western Memorial Regional Hospital. His interest in the pursuit of medicine is legendary in the city, but perhaps cross-country skiing is what he was best known for.
He will be missed by his wife Judy, sons Andrew (and wife Nicole) and Brian (Abbi) and grandchildren Skyler, Rachel and Trond. Also left to mourn are his brother Kenneth and sister Marilyn, sister-in-law Suzanne Black and her husband Gary Murphy, brother-in-law Theodore Black and his wife Charlene Trappe-Black, nephew Michael Martinez and niece Ginny Black.
The soft-spoken, American-born doctor was one of the founders of Blow Me Down Cross Country Ski Park.
Ian Graham, president of the club was a good friend of Dr. May.
“In the past he was more active than he has been recently, but he’s up there every day skiing,” said Graham. "He was a strong member. The club was important to him and of course Judy. Judy’s been on the executive as well and has been since its inception. He’s been right there having some role in the club. If he wasn’t in a formal position, he always made his opinions known and was always working for the good of the club. He will be missed.”
He said it’s hard to think of Dr. May’s history with the club because of their close, personal affiliation.
“It’s hard for me to distance myself because I grew up with the Mays, being a Graham,” he said. “We went everywhere and did everything together. The back-country skiing and the trips we went on, we still do them. We were still doing them last year. He was an active guy.”
Dr. Tony Tavenor, an internal medicine specialist and a partner of Dr. May, said the void left by Dr. May will be palpable.
“Barry is irreplaceable from a medical point of view, which is just his obvious contribution,” said Dr. Tavenor. “His other big contribution was he was a giant from a community point of view with his contribution to the cross-country ski club and other volunteer organizations.
“He was an incredible family man. His most important role as far as he was concerned was his kids and his grandkids. He was irreplaceable in all three roles. Obviously we’re all shocked and saddened by his passing. He was so well when he left here, so vibrant.”
He said Dr. May’s patients and almost everybody who goes through the doors of Western Memorial Regional Hospital owe him a debt of gratitude.
“He’s been a senior member in our internal medicine group for almost 30 years,” he said. “He’s been instrumental in developing the intensive care unit the way it is now.
“He’s been a big supporter of our cancer treatment programs. He’s pushed forward cancer treatment not only in this part of the province, but the whole province years beyond where it would have been without him. He’s been a backbone of the dialysis unit for years. There’s no way you can overstate what he’s contributed around here.
“He was about to end his position as chief of medicine in the next coming weeks. It makes it doubly sad. We don’t have anybody to take up for him. No one person ever will. You won’t find anybody will all the facets of Barry May ever again.”
Dr. Ken Jenkins, vice-president of medical services for the Western Regional Integrated Health Authority, said the void left by Dr. May won’t be easily filled.
“It was a huge shock to us to hear of Barry’s death,” said Dr. Jenkins. “It’s going to have a very significant impact on us. Barry was a big player in our organization in many ways.
“Certainly as a clinician, as a leader in our medical community at the time of his death he was serving as our chief of medicine and as a colleague to many of the medical staff, nursing staff and everybody else who came in touch with him, it’s going to be a big loss. He served a major role in our intensive care unit.”
Dr. Jenkins said the entire region mourns the loss of Dr. May.
“This is a major loss for us within the western region,” he said. “Most of all Barry is known and respected as a person who cares for his patients, is highly regarded by the people who worked with him as person and as a doctor. It’s a very sad occasion for us. Our thoughts go to Judy and his family at this time.”
Dr. May was cremated in Montreal. A memorial service is slated for 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the First United Church in Corner Brook
Friends may visit Fillatre’s Funeral Home on St. Marks Avenue Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Nov 13, 2005 3:40 PM
#
bmay:
Tribute to Dad
By Brian May
Reverend Cole, friends, family,
Thank you for coming to share with us our memories of my Dad. That so many have come today is a clear indication of how many lives my Dad has touched. We may be Come-From-Away’s, but we, my parents particularly, have become an integral part of this community.
For 30 years, Dad worked here as a doctor. But, he also contributed to the community in many ways, helping to build the Blow Me Down ski club, organizing ski races and events like the 24 Hour Orienteering race, contributing as a member of the Tuckamore Club and Newfoundland Wilderness Advisory Council.
He left us too early, but looking back I realize that there is much to be thankful for. My earliest memories of my father come from photos when I was a baby in Alaska. Even from these photos, I have developed fond memories of hiking on the tundra and dog-sledding with him. Dad’s influences in my life were abundant - canoe trips, hiking trips and back-country skiing adventures. Dad loved Labrador and memories of our trips up the Labrador coast, canoeing on the Adlatok River and hiking near Hebron are permanently etched into my memories.
Dad was a confident and capable individual – often seeming “larger than life”. On a hiking trip in Labrador, we discovered ourselves camped in a valley shared by a black bear. Without a hint of apprehension, Dad announced that we would need to chase away the bear – and off we went up the hillside. I don’t recall being scared at all – as long as I was one step behind my Dad!
He was individual - equally at home watching theater at the Arts and Culture Center or driving his ATV around the woods at home. He wasn’t particularly concerned about appearances – I distinctly remember him heading into the hospital one day - wearing his standard blue jeans, a plaid shirt and completely oblivious to the bright orange hat sticking out of his back pocket! He respected people, no matter what their station in life. He always kept things in perspective – he knew what was important and didn’t sweat the small stuff.
He had a love of northern places. I developed a similar love, doing some of my PhD work on polar oceanography. He was especially keen (perhaps even envious) when I had the opportunity to head north on icebreakers into the Arctic Ocean.
In recent years, my fondest memories of Dad are on trips we have taken together. Abbi and I were engaged on the BMD plateau, a trip that we were pleased to share with Mom and Dad. In Minnesota, we took trips to the Boundary Waters – canoeing in summer and skiing in winter.
Our family has grown, with the addition of Abbi, Nicole, Rachel, Trond and Skyler. Dad was clearly enthralled with our picks, immediately taking Abbi and Nicole in as daughters of his own. With Rachel, Trond and Skyler coming along, he became a devoted grandfather. It was clear how much he enjoyed sharing in their lives. I feel incredibly happy that he was able to share in their lives before he passed on – and equally happy that they could share in his.
This past summer, we had an excellent holiday in and around Clarenville, together with Andrew, Nicole and family. I am especially pleased that Rachel and Trond got to spend this time with their Pop, in his beloved Newfoundland.
As I grow older I become more aware of how my actions are a reflection of his influences. This summer we had a fabulous trip down the Missinaibie River, finishing at James Bay. I felt that we were following in his footsteps, as he had taken a similar trip some 40 years earlier. We enjoyed seeing his photos and he was clearly quite excited in sharing his experiences as we planned our trip.
Dad loved working the land, whether building ponds, putting in a pasture, or cutting wood. As a kid growing up, hauling wood sometimes felt like some sort of cruel punishment. However, I’ve grown to appreciate those days – After a fall of cutting and splitting wood, I was looking forward to showing him our new woodpile in Salmon Arm.
Dad leaves behind many good friends, his family, but most importantly my Mom. I look with great respect upon their long-lived marriage – it as an example that I certainly hope I can live up to.
Mom, We are all going to miss him, but I can only imagine how hard this is for you. You have a tremendous support group. I want you to know how much we love you. We are here for you and will help you in any way that we can.
Dad, Thank you for all that you have given me. I love you. Good bye.
By Brian May
Reverend Cole, friends, family,
Thank you for coming to share with us our memories of my Dad. That so many have come today is a clear indication of how many lives my Dad has touched. We may be Come-From-Away’s, but we, my parents particularly, have become an integral part of this community.
For 30 years, Dad worked here as a doctor. But, he also contributed to the community in many ways, helping to build the Blow Me Down ski club, organizing ski races and events like the 24 Hour Orienteering race, contributing as a member of the Tuckamore Club and Newfoundland Wilderness Advisory Council.
He left us too early, but looking back I realize that there is much to be thankful for. My earliest memories of my father come from photos when I was a baby in Alaska. Even from these photos, I have developed fond memories of hiking on the tundra and dog-sledding with him. Dad’s influences in my life were abundant - canoe trips, hiking trips and back-country skiing adventures. Dad loved Labrador and memories of our trips up the Labrador coast, canoeing on the Adlatok River and hiking near Hebron are permanently etched into my memories.
Dad was a confident and capable individual – often seeming “larger than life”. On a hiking trip in Labrador, we discovered ourselves camped in a valley shared by a black bear. Without a hint of apprehension, Dad announced that we would need to chase away the bear – and off we went up the hillside. I don’t recall being scared at all – as long as I was one step behind my Dad!
He was individual - equally at home watching theater at the Arts and Culture Center or driving his ATV around the woods at home. He wasn’t particularly concerned about appearances – I distinctly remember him heading into the hospital one day - wearing his standard blue jeans, a plaid shirt and completely oblivious to the bright orange hat sticking out of his back pocket! He respected people, no matter what their station in life. He always kept things in perspective – he knew what was important and didn’t sweat the small stuff.
He had a love of northern places. I developed a similar love, doing some of my PhD work on polar oceanography. He was especially keen (perhaps even envious) when I had the opportunity to head north on icebreakers into the Arctic Ocean.
In recent years, my fondest memories of Dad are on trips we have taken together. Abbi and I were engaged on the BMD plateau, a trip that we were pleased to share with Mom and Dad. In Minnesota, we took trips to the Boundary Waters – canoeing in summer and skiing in winter.
Our family has grown, with the addition of Abbi, Nicole, Rachel, Trond and Skyler. Dad was clearly enthralled with our picks, immediately taking Abbi and Nicole in as daughters of his own. With Rachel, Trond and Skyler coming along, he became a devoted grandfather. It was clear how much he enjoyed sharing in their lives. I feel incredibly happy that he was able to share in their lives before he passed on – and equally happy that they could share in his.
This past summer, we had an excellent holiday in and around Clarenville, together with Andrew, Nicole and family. I am especially pleased that Rachel and Trond got to spend this time with their Pop, in his beloved Newfoundland.
As I grow older I become more aware of how my actions are a reflection of his influences. This summer we had a fabulous trip down the Missinaibie River, finishing at James Bay. I felt that we were following in his footsteps, as he had taken a similar trip some 40 years earlier. We enjoyed seeing his photos and he was clearly quite excited in sharing his experiences as we planned our trip.
Dad loved working the land, whether building ponds, putting in a pasture, or cutting wood. As a kid growing up, hauling wood sometimes felt like some sort of cruel punishment. However, I’ve grown to appreciate those days – After a fall of cutting and splitting wood, I was looking forward to showing him our new woodpile in Salmon Arm.
Dad leaves behind many good friends, his family, but most importantly my Mom. I look with great respect upon their long-lived marriage – it as an example that I certainly hope I can live up to.
Mom, We are all going to miss him, but I can only imagine how hard this is for you. You have a tremendous support group. I want you to know how much we love you. We are here for you and will help you in any way that we can.
Dad, Thank you for all that you have given me. I love you. Good bye.
This discussion thread is closed.