William (Bill) Sheppard May was born in Dundee, Scotland on January 23, 1907, immigrating to Canada in 1926. He married Ruth Parker of McConnell, Manitoba in 1939 and their daughter Dell, was born in 1940.
Mr. May farmed in the Strathclair district, raising cattle, swine, and registered seed grain. Because of limited space on “Dundee’s Pride”, he turned to pure-bred Yorkshire swine which were shown at top shows across the country. He was the first Manitoba breeder to win the “Silver Pig” trophy.
Bill served community and province, as well as his country in many capacities as director and often president: of the Manitoba Swine Breeders for 20 years; of the Canadian Swine Breeders; the Advisory Board to R.O.P. Board at Ottawa; of the Provincial Exhibition and Royal Manitoba Winter Fair; as leader of 4-H Beef club for 18 years with the Strathclair Club being awarded the Norquay Trophy (1961); on the local Board of Manitoba Pool Elevators; of Strathclair Consumer Co-op; as a member of the United Church during which time plans for a new building were formulated; of the local Agricultural Society for 35 years, also sitting on the Agricultural Societies Advisory Board for the province. He was a member of the Strathclair Masonic Lodge for 40 years; was instrumental in the building of a Senior Citizen’s Apartment.
Mr. May was an “elite” seed grower, winning the Seed Grain Champion Sample of wheat at the Seed Grower Competition in 1965; Outstanding Service Award, 1973, and Robertson Associate in 1976.
Bill was a devoted husband and father; a self-educated man who was held in high esteem by all; an excellent farmer in grain and livestock. His contributions to agriculture and community were unlimited.