Edgar Raymond May

Edgar May passed away peacefully on August 22, 2012, just two week s after his 98th birthday. He was born on August 3, 1914 to David and Harriet May in Chico, CA. He had five siblings and delighted in telling of his boyhood in California and Washington State. He graduated from Friday Harbor High School and it was in Friday Harbor that he developed his lifelong love of weightlifting and daily exercise. He attended the University of Washington where he met his future wife, Catherine Selander. Catherine and Ed married in 1940 and settled in Bellingham, WA, Catherine’s hometown. Ed set up a wholesale/retail fish business, May Seafood Company on the waterfront by Georgia Pacific. In the late 1950’s he established a mink farm on Chuckanut Drive property he acquired when he and Catherine were first married. Throughout his professional life he continued to exercise daily and was an inspiration and mentor to many young men. Friends called him “the Jack Lalane” of Bellingham. In retirement he loved to go to the Bellingham Athletic Club where they eventually made him an honorary member because of this dedication and passion for physical fitness. His other great passion was for his wife Catherine and his family. He and Catherine had a love of life and were fortunate to be able to travel and share their joy of adventure with the many seniors who took the trips they organized with Bellingham Travel and Cruise and the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. They both took pleasure in family gatherings, large and small. For them, life was a party filled with engagement, helping others and fun! Ed is survived by his four children: David and wife Terri May, Barbara and husband Jack Lyon, Mary and husband Drew Pettus and Jeffrey Mayas well as eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. Ed’s life was full of activity, memories and love. Physically, Ed was an imposing individual, but a gentle man. He will be missed. The family would like to thank the many friends and relatives who stayed in touch and would visit with Ed and share stories. And special appreciation to the staff and residents of the Parkway Chateau who became part of Ed’s extended family in his later years and the caring staff at the Mount Baker Care Center who gave him comfort and strength in his final days. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, September 1st at 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel at Moles Farewell Tributes at 2465 Lakeway Drive in Bellingham. Farewell Tribute Information A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, September 1st at 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel at Moles Farewell Tributes at 2465 Lakeway Drive in Bellingham.

Edgar Raymond May

August 3, 1914 - August 22, 2012