Bruce McNeil May

Wow, I've come to the end of this earthly journey and, by most measures, it was a good one. Wife Kathy (Reeser) would say "give us the Reader's Digest version" but some stories take a while, and this one has been long in the gathering. As to the ending, I finally have the answer to that life-long question about what happens "after," but it's not likely that I can be any better at getting that information back to the living than those who have gone before me. It began just two weeks before the events of Black Friday in 1929 when I was born to the two great parents I had selected. Charles "Perc" May came from a family we've traced back to 1725 England, and Lillian Keller had roots in Wales. The DNA studies confirm that most of my heritage was centered in that part of the world. Growing up in the small slate belt town of Pen Argyl, PA led me to college to study Optometry. Mandatory military service followed, where my professional skills were enhanced. In the army I met and married a lovely nurse from York named Dolores "Dee" Baker. Captain May left the army to establish a home and practice in Birdsboro. The family grew starting with Steven, Tom and then Lauren and finally Melissa. Grandchildren arrived over the years including Steve's sons, Steven, Brian, Erik and William as well as daughter Julia. Tom's daughters are Christa and Lyndsay, the great-grandchildren are Taylor, Arianna, Carys, Bladen, Iris, Svetlana, Dylan and Reese. After 29 years of marriage, Dee died. Later Kathy accepted the role of lovingly hand-holding me along the balance of the journey for 39 years. Giving back and being involved has always seemed important, and I gave much time to my profession and church. Some of the roles I played were: Optometry Officer, Consultant to Harrisburg School District and PA Dept of Welfare, and Director of Low Vision Clinic at Cole Hospital. I served as president of College of Optometrists in Vision Development, PA Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, PA Optometric Association; and was Chairman of Vision Benefits of America. Though until mid-life the Methodist church had been my faith home, in later years Community UCC became my place of spiritual comfort. Upon reflection I've always been a seeker, and so many individuals have contributed to my understanding of life that the list seems endless. Living during the period of the greatest change in human history, I am deeply indebted to the many authors and writers, thinkers, preachers and teachers who have provided the light along this long trail. To the people I've met along the way I say "Thanks." Many have been recognized in the book, In the Draft. Some have made my life wondrous; the others have made it interesting. Now I am moving on and still smiling. As I have now seen that the closing story of my life has been as interesting as the other 93 years, I am even more aware of how blessed I've been, and that I had a great ride. There will be no funeral or services as my FUNeral took care of that detail in January. My body has been donated to science, with my hope that more learning will result and more people will benefit.