MAY, Ralph Albert
April 5, 1949 – February 24, 2021
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of one of our founding partners, Ralph Albert May at the age of 71.
Ralph grew up in the farming community of east Richmond. After high school, he attended the University of British Columbia, obtaining both his Bachelor of Commerce and his law degree. He began articling with the firm in 1974 and was called to the bar on May 20, 1975. His law practice focused very heavily on providing advice to the farming community throughout the province.
In addition to his commitment to our firm, farming remained a big part of Ralph’s life. Over the years, Ralph served as Chairman of the B.C. Cranberry Growers Association, Chairman of the Cranberry Institute of North America, Director of Ocean Spray Cranberries and Founding Director of the B.C. Expropriation Association.
Ralph was also very active in the community of Richmond. He was the Founding Chairman of the Richmond Community Foundation, Former Member of Richmond Gateway Theatre Society, and more recently a Director of the Richmond Hospital Foundation. Ralph was also the Recipient of the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Judy (Cruickshank), son Warren (Melinda) Mellia and Jack, daughter Lindsay (Andrew) Siobhan, son Spencer (Sarah) Liam, Connor, Graham and Kaleb. He is also survived by his brother Bruce and sister Louise, their families and many more relatives, colleagues and friends. His son Spencer, also a partner of the firm, has taken over his father’s legacy in providing legal services to the farming community.
A celebration of life will be announced when public health allows a suitable memorial for Ralph.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Richmond Hospital Foundation: https://www.richmondhospitalfoundation.com/donate/, or the BC Alzheimer Society: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en.
Rob Allan was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, the voice of business in the Delta region. A resident of “Sunny Tsawwassen”, Rob is looking forward to the opportunity to give back to Delta, a community that he and his family are proud to call their home. Watch for announcements in the coming weeks and months here and on our various social media platforms about opportunities to get involved with Delta Chamber events, or feel free to reach out to Rob to discuss the excellent resources that are available to businesses in Delta through the Chamber.
Learn more about Rob’s legal practice and community involvement here.
After spending several years with the firm, Melinda is leaving to join the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia as in house counsel. Since starting at the firm in 2008, Melinda has made a lasting and positive impact on her clients and colleagues, and in the community as a volunteer. We have no doubt she will do the same in her new role at ICBC.
We wish Melinda every success. She will be missed.
After spending several years with the firm, Karla Mukai is leaving to join the Department of Justice. Since starting here in 2014, Karla has made a lasting and positive impact on her clients and colleagues, and in the community as a volunteer. We have no doubt she will do the same in her new role at the Department of Justice.
We wish Karla every success. She will be missed.
CFMR is pleased to welcome Donald (Don) Boyle to the firm as Associate Counsel. After practicing as both barrister and solicitor in Richmond since 1982, Don brings a wealth of experience to CFMR business clients.
Along with his proven skills and expertise, Don is known for his well-honed legal perspectives and understanding. He is adept at recognizing and avoiding potential areas of dispute before they arise. He believes strongly in the importance of well drafted agreements, often saying that “good agreements are upheld in the courtroom, but superior agreements avoid the courtroom altogether”. And his formidable ability to quickly understand complex business transactions consistently leads to favourable results.
In addition to his practice, Don has been a member of several corporate and charitable boards. For nine years he has served on the board of a society that helps people with developmental disabilities thrive in their own communities.
Welcome to CFMR, Don.
CFMR is a proud supporter of the Richmond Christmas Fund’s recent inaugural gala fundraiser “A Not So Silent Night”. This successful evening was generously hosted by the Cowell Family at their Richmond Audi location.
Lawyers Eric Schroter, Ed Montague, Spencer May, Karla Mukai, Jennifer Hau and Sam Suk attended this wonderful event which raised nearly $65,000. Monies will help support the Christmas Fund, and increase the value of the program’s grocery voucher so our neighbours in need – families, children, seniors, refugees – can enjoy a special holiday meal.
We’re delighted to help make the holidays happier for people in our community.
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