Mark Evan May

Mark Evan May - 1956 to 2018. A kind and gentle soul took flight on August 6, 2018. A visitation was held on August 13, 2018, at Lady Family Mortuary in Arroyo Grande. Many friends, co-workers and family members came to say their goodbyes before Mark was cremated. Mark was born in Bakersfield, CA to Jamie and Jerry May, the third of 4 sons. When Mark was 13, the family moved to Thailand. While in Thailand Mark had many adventures. Mark's mom fondly remembers the time the family went on motorbikes to visit a special Buddha. Because Mark's helmet was tight, he could not wear his glasses. On the trip home he was separated from the family ending up at a gated border crossing into Viet Nam, where he rode right through the gate and was stopped by the police. Fortunately, he was permitted to return home. Upon graduating from Cupertino High School, Mark enlisted in the U.S. Navy, along with his next older brother. Mark served as an electrician aboard a fast attack nuclear submarine, the USS Guitarro. He received a Good Conduct Medal and was Honorably Discharged after 6 years of serving our country. Later that year he began his 32 year career with Pacific Gas and Electric Company at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant earning several Professional Certifications. Mark met his wife, Debbie, a Control Room Assistant at DCPP. They shared travel adventures in several countries and U.S. states, visiting many National Parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton earlier this year. Family gatherings were always a good time with hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, card games and laughter. He was an avid reader and had a quick wit, a sense of humor and a brain full of song lyrics that came out when you least expected it. Mark was known for his generosity, donating blood platelets for over 35 years, volunteering with Wilshire Services driving homebound persons to doctor appointments or errands, and building homes with People's Self Help Housing and Habitat for Humanity. Mark also valued his opportunity to serve the American Legion, Post 136, making valuable friendships and serving others. Mark was predeceased by his father; his grandparents; and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his mother, Jamie; his brothers: David (Coleen), Kelly (Valerie) and Steve (Cathy); several nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles. Mark was dearly loved by all and he will be missed by our families, friends and our furry feline kids. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 15th, at the American Legion Post 136, 417 Orchard Street in Arroyo Grande. Time will be allotted for guests to share stories, with a BBQ to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: American Legion Post 136, Mark May Memorial Scholarship Fund or The American Heart Association. A monetary or blood donation may be made to United Blood Services of the Central Coast in his memory.