One of the pillars of the Richmond farming community, Ralph Albert May, has passed away, age 71.
May grew up in the farming community of east Richmond and farming always remained a big part of his life, even though he was a founding partner in the law firm of Campbell, Froh, May and Rice for 40 years.
Over the years, he headed up numerous farming organizations, including chair of the B.C. Cranberry Growers Association, chair of the Cranberry Institute of North America, director of Ocean Spray Cranberries and founding director of the B.C. Expropriation Association.
Outside of farming and the law profession, May was also very active in the community, being the founding chairman of the Richmond Community Foundation, former member of Richmond Gateway Theatre Society and, more recently, a director of the Richmond Hospital Foundation.
In recognition of all that he did for his local community, he was awarded the Governor General's Commemorative Medal.
May is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy (Cruickshank), son Warren (Melinda) Mellia and Jack, daughter Lindsay (Andrew) Siobhan, son Spencer (Sarah) Liam, Connor, Graham and Kaleb.
The family said that a celebration of life will be announced when public health allows a suitable memorial for May.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Richmond Hospital Foundation or the BC Alzheimer’s Society.
