Dr. Hellmuth Rolf Richard Johannes MAY

Our very dear "Dr. May," aged 90, born June 9, 1921, in Vienna, Austria, passed away, profoundly, on 'Remembrance' Day, November 11, 2011, at 1:11 a.m., at home, in the loving embrace of "his Darling," wife, Andréa, and into that of God's. He is deeply missed. Survived by his son, Gerry (Anne), and grandsons, Scott and Derek. Renowned for being a charming, elegant Viennese Gentleman, displaying exemplary kindness and goodness, he lived an extraordinary life, filled with luck, talent, exceptional leadership, discipline, and athletic commitment, following the classic motto of "Carpe Diem." He came from a historical era, demanding a strength for perseverance, faith, and survival, and was vastly loved and respected, especially throughout the world of figure skating, having competed in the Winter Olympics of 1936 (Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany) and 1948 (St. Moritz, Switzerland), plus, 1948 World's, (Davos, Switzerland), before starring as the First Principal Skater of the Vienna Ice Show, 1946-1953, becoming famous for performing Pair Skating on Stilts, and acting in the lead role of their Feature Film, "Fruehling auf dem Eis," ("Spring on Ice"), 1951. Imprinted with the experiences of WWII, which began with Arbeitsdienst (Compulsory Labour Service, 1939, in S. Woerthersee, Carinthia, Austria), he was later drafted in May, 1941, navigated through the responsibilities of Radar, became a pilot with the Luftwaffe Air Force, avoided calls to be a Paratrooper, and survived American and British POW Camps, where Hellmut was in charge of securing supplies for 300,000 starving prisoners ("Other Losses," by James Bacque), due to his rank and ability to speak English. Obtaining eventual freedom, Hellmut enjoyed Exhibition Skating in London, Paris, and in Vienna, which was divided into 4 zones and occupied by troops from the Allied Powers (USA, UK, France, and USSR). He then pursued his Ph.D. in World Commerce, at the University of Vienna, 1947. Always an avid Mountain Climber, Hellmut climbed the Matterhorn, in Zermatt, Switzerland, solo, in 1949. He worked as Head Assistant for the owners of the Volkswagen Company, Autohaus Liewers, in the Eastern part of Austria, which was Russian occupied, 1954. Hellmut's first impression of Canada was in the winter of 1954, teaching at the Moncton Skating Club, in New Brunswick, as their first coach. Forever moved by the warmth and hospitality of the people from the Maritimes, and just prior to the surprising Austrian Independence Treaty (May, 1955; first time, Russians ever withdrew, peacefully), he left the war-torn, quarter of Vienna, on a rough voyage, via ship, "The Seven Seas," hoping to rebuild a new life in Canada, securing a contract with the Kerrisdale Figure Skating Club, in Vancouver, B.C., where he struggled with humble beginnings, but soon became their Master Coach, 1955-2009. A highly admired Canadian Team Coach, while he trained many National and International Champions, as well as, World and Olympic Competitors (1964, Innsbruck; 1968, Grenoble; 1972, Sapporo), he was intent on nurturing all students with his generous gifts of loving guidance, patience, caring and wisdom. In 1964, Hellmut founded the Professional Skaters Association of British Columbia, the first coaching group in Canada. He then played the roles of Cofounder and Negotiator when it merged in 1965 with a similar group in Toronto to form the Professional Skaters Association of Canada (P.S.A.C., which later became the Figure Skating Coaches of Canada, F.S.C.C.). He was elected President in 1966, 1967. Hellmut was instrumental on the Council for the Canadian Figure Skating Association and Figure Skating Coaches of Canada, which, was formed to manage the National Coaching Certification Program. He was the author of the figure portions of the Figure Skating Manuals for Level I and Level II Technical for the N.C.C.P., as well as a Course Conductor. He was one of a few Head Coaches, assigned to teach at the C.F.S.A./Skate Canada National Training Seminars, from 1975-1993, across Canada, and invited to conduct many Coaching Seminars across the U.S.A.

Hellmut also founded the Company, Can Alpine Agencies, Ltd., in 1969, the importer and distributor of skating equipment, especially of the WIFA figure skating boots for North America, which, he was responsible for designing at the factory in Vienna. He was a Founding Charter Member of the Austro-Canadian Businessmen's Association of British Columbia, 1972, and subsequently, served as President. He became the driving force to establish the famous "Johann Strauss Ball," at the Hotel Vancouver. As a true legend, and builder, and to the immense delight of generations, he was finally inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame, 2010, absorbing a well-deserved standing ovation at the Coliseum in Victoria, for his lifetime contributions. Ultimately, Hellmut reflected that, "It all is dedicated to one goal and purpose: to serve the development and well-being of the young skater...to strive to be the best person you can be." And, "Coming to Canada was my main destiny to meet my future love, Andréa," (met in 1969; married in 1990) whom he adored and travelled the world with: "Darling, you are my everything for me." Yes, his tremendous legacy and beautiful spirit will be forever remembered...as this dignified, intelligent gentleman touched the lives of so many, both as a mentor, pillar of support, and visionary, living life to the fullest. "Servus!" In loving memory of Dr. May, donations gratefully accepted to: Richmond Kinsmen Home Support Society, 604-272-3237; Alzheimer Society of B.C., 604-681-6530.