Douglas Hartford May

1935 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Douglas Hartford May < >

Viewing:

July 22, 2021
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
4176 S. Adonis Drive (3950 E.) Salt Lake City, UT
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  • Service:

    July 22, 2021
    12:00 PM
    4176 S. Adonis Drive (3950 E.) Salt Lake City, UT
  • Directions to Service
  • Douglas Hartford May died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 11th 2021 (His favorite day of the week). He was cradled and loved by children, grandchildren, and his beloved wife. During the last several years he was challenged with Alzheimer's. He slipped quietly from his bedside into the heavens to be at the footstool of his beloved friend and Savior and to be with his loved ones.

    He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Doug’s parents, Elbridge and Jeanne Roeder both loved golf; all three of their boys learned to love it as well. They became members of the Lake Oswego country club and eventually built a home on the golf course. As a teenager, Doug worked in a pro shop. He enjoyed water and snow skiing as well. He had a tender spot for the arts, theatre, dance, and music. Most of all he loved people and traveling the world.

    In 1957 Doug graduated from University of Oregon where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After finishing college Doug worked for IBM; he saved for a year for a world tour on $2.00 a day! He hitch hiked, stayed in youth hostels, slept in the Roman Forum and made many friends along the way.

    In 1967 he married his sweetheart, Shirlene Giles and later it was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Several years later he got his masters at the University of Utah and became a Certified Internal Auditor.

    He worked for many wonderful companies: Kennecott Copper, Thyokol, Parsons Construction Co., in Saudi, Arabia. He worked for the State of Utah for the last 10 years of his career.

    He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. Doug enjoyed ward and stake missionary callings. Served twice in the Stake High Council. He enjoyed leadership positions in the branch in Saudi Arabia where they had church in their home. Shirlene and Doug served a mission in SLC at the Family History Center.

    Captain Douglas May served as a navigator in the U.S. Airforce. Proud to be an American, proud of the American Flag, proud to sing “God Bless America” with a tear in his eye. He was proud of his beautiful children, grandchildren, and wife.

    Douglas is survived by his wife, Shirlene Giles May, children: Nicole (Brandon) Youkstetter, Deron May, Christian May (Marci), Danielle May, and Taylor May, six grandchildren, and brother Larry (Connie) May. Preceded in death by his brother Jim May and his parents.

    Services will be held on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 at 12 noon with a viewing prior from 10:30 – 11:45, both at the Olympus Hills Ward located at 4176 S. Adonis Drive (3950 E.) Salt Lake City, UT. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
    You may watch the services virtually using the following link:
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82186498852
    To view these services through Zoom, you must have an account. You can create a free account by visiting zoom.us

    The family would like to thank the loving caregivers and hospice professionals, friends, ward and family for their loving support.



    Guestbook/Condolences

    Dear Shirlene, I am so grateful for Doug. He is a wonderful person. I have memories of him smiling when I saw him at church. I am grateful for him and that he is on a new adventure. Thank you for all you do and who you are.

    I loved hearing your family speak at Doug's funeral. I send you lots of hugs. I did not greet you during the viewing because of covid.

    Sending my love,
    Janelle Rich Hale


    - Janelle Rich Hale