In Loving Memory of Bruce Olin May

Bruce Olin May was born on July 1, 1954 in Lynwood, California, and passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025 in Reno, Nevada.

Raised in Bellflower, California, Bruce graduated from Bellflower High School in 1972. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, salmon fishing, collecting coins, and gardening – early interests that reflected his curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. One fond family memory was planting a pomegranate tree with his brother, a tree that his family enjoyed during their years in Bellflower and that became a small, but meaningful part of their family life.

Bruce proudly and honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1977. During his service, he trained in Biloxi, Mississippi, as a radar repairman, an experience that sparked his interest in electronics and ultimately led him to a career in Electrical Engineering.

After completing his military service, Bruce completed an Associate in Arts in Natural Sciences from Cerritos Community College in Norwalk, California. He continued his education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in December 1980. He went on to build a long and meaningful career at the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Center in Ridgecrest, California, where he eventually retired.

On August 29, 1978, Bruce married Ruth Jeane Gubler, and together they welcomed five children, 4 daughters and 1 son.

At the young age of 31, Bruce was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He lived with Parkinson’s for 40 years, facing daily challenges with quiet strength, resilience, and determination. He experienced many ups and downs, yet consistently worked to live independently for as long as possible, embodying perseverance in his everyday life.

Following retirement, Bruce moved to Carson City, Nevada, with his partner Sarah Jones.

A quiet man of few words, Bruce expressed himself through his actions and his unmistakable dry sense of humor. He loved woodworking, cars – especially his treasured 1945 Army Jeep – bird hunting (quail and chukar), riding ATVs, metal detecting in search of hidden treasures, and was a collector of many things, including glass bottles. He also enjoyed researching his family genealogy, had a special affection for reptiles and cats, and found simple joy in his fascination with trains. His well-timed dad jokes and gentle presence brought laughter and comfort to those around him.

Bruce is survived by his five children – Nichole Snodgrass, Janiece Miller (Sam), Rachael Karpowitz (Dan), Ashley Berrett (Matthew), and David May – as well as ten grandchildren and his younger brother, Dorian May. He was preceded in death by his father, Olin Almer May, his mother, Gloria Mae Briggs, and his partner, Sarah Jones.

A private interment will be held at Fort Goff Cemetery in Seiad Valley, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Bruce’s memory by donating to Meals on Wheels, a program that provided meaningful support and comfort to him in his later years. Meals on Wheels Donations