Richard “Mush” Van May

1960 - 2025

Richard “Mush” Van May obituary, 1960-2025, Sterling, AK

Richard “Mush” Van May

1960 - 2025

BORN

1960

DIED

2025

Richard “Mush” May Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 16, 2025.
Mush, Richard Van May, passed from this earthly life June 5th, 2025 in Soldotna, Alaska, where he had been hospitalized with his family by his side. Van was born 9/12/60 in Utah and spent his early years and schooling in Ogden. He lived and worked in many places but spent the past 30 years in Alaska where he built and lived in his own home in Sterling. He was a member of the Sterling Brotherhood. He worked as an iron worker, heavy equipment operator, crane operator, a master of fishing and skilled/competent boat operator. He was employed the last several years at Prudhoe Bay oil fields. He made many lasting friendships, but his best buddy was his brother Brian.

His earthly remains are now part of the place that gave him his best years- the Kenai River.

Survived by his Mom and Stepdad, Maryanne and Rees Nielsen. Sisters, Kellie Anne(Beth)Clement, Angela(Keith)James, Brother, Brian(Korleen)May. Stepsisters, Tracy Nielsen Neff, Keely Nielsen Bennion. Half sister, Heidi May.

Predeceased by father, Richard H. May and stepsister, Mindy Nielsen Valcarce

A memorial will be held July 12th at Marquardt Park 3200 Taylor Ave Ogden, @ 3pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Richard “Mush” May's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 3, 2025

Aaron J McDowell posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2025

Jeff Van Dyke posted to the memorial.

June 22, 2025

Earl Nielsen posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Aaron J McDowell

September 3, 2025

Always a smile on his face...Mush you will be greatly missed. God bless my friend.
Aaron McDowell
Sterling, Ak

Jeff Van Dyke

July 11, 2025

To Brian and the entire May family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Mush was a good man and one of my best friends in the world, he was a brother. I was in Indonesia when I heard of Mush´s passing, I am still mourning myself.

How do I capture the great times Mush, and our gang had together? I met both Mush and Brian when we were in elementary school in South Ogden. Burch Creek and Mar Lon Hills had field trips during the summer months (to keep us out of trouble....LoL), that was a long time ago, but I found a lifetime best friend, the "Mushatola!!!!!!!

Later in life, Mush and I were "tool buddies" traveling hitting all the "boom town" industrial oil and gas and mining projects in Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Alaska. Mush as an iron worker, myself as an electrician.

We could all count on Mush in any situation, believe me, we found ourselves in many situations, too many to mention here......LoL. Mush was a "scrapper" Mush never started fight, but he would "respectfully" finish them. How we all made it into mid 60´s is beyond me; we all lived fast and big.

Mush my brother, I love and respect you, rest in peace my friend, will see you on the other side.

Your friend for life.......
Jeff Van Dyke
Medellin Colombia

Earl Nielsen

June 22, 2025

Rees, Mary Ann and Family,

Our family is sorry to learn of the passing of your son and brother.
These times are challenging.

We pray that you might feel the Spirit of the Comforter during this trying time.

Sincerely,

Earl Nielsen Family

Melodie Schuellet

June 17, 2025

Mary Ann and Rees- we are sad to hear of his passing- I cannot imagine how you feel but our unwavering love and prayers are with you and van´s soul. I hope that the many memories you hold can help you through this time and knowing that your friends are here if you need us at anytime. We love you!

Angie James

June 17, 2025

Love you brother

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Sign Richard “Mush” May's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 3, 2025

Aaron J McDowell posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2025

Jeff Van Dyke posted to the memorial.

June 22, 2025

Earl Nielsen posted to the memorial.