Along-serving and respected leader in the sugarcane and fertiliser sectors has died at the age of 83.

John May, the former Chairman of Sugar Cane Growers Fund and South Pacific Fertilisers Limited, will be cremated today, in Nausori.

He passed away last Friday.

Born Steven Ellenstein John May, he is believed to be the longest serving professional of the sugarcane industry, when he retired in 2014, at the age of 75.

Mr May wore many professional hats, including:

■ managing director, Fiji Sugar Marketing Company

■ chairman of the Sugar Commission, and

■ managing director South Pacific Fertilisers Limited.

Sugar Cane Growers Fund said Mr May was remembered for upholding and furthering the interest and welfare of farmers.

Fund Chief Executive Officer, Vimal Dutt, worked under Mr May’s leadership.

“He always thought outside the box with big ideas for farmers’ and growers’ prosperity,” Mr Dutt said yesterday.

The late John May will be cremated in Nausori today.

South Pacific Fertilisers Limited Chief Executive Officer, Ashween Ram, said: “It is critical that we credit him for the role he played in 2009, in the price change for fertiliser and the subsequent subsidy,” Mr Ram said.

“He and the late Viliame Gucake (former director for Sugar) were architects of the fertiliser sector who paved the way forward.”

Mr May also sat on the executive board of Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, as senior vice president.

He is survived by his wife Lillian, daughter Kathy, and sons Rodney and Steven.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj