Gerald RANK

Gerald Henry Rank
Gerald "Gerry" passed away on September 27, 2017 just three days short of his 77th birthday. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Dorothy Findlay and Harry Rank, and lived on a farm near Grosse Isle. He acquired his BSc and MSc at the University of Manitoba. Later at UBC, Gerald received his PhD in Genetics, and then moved to Saskatoon with his wife, Frances. He began his teaching career at the U of S in Biology, becoming a Professor Emeritus in 2008. Along with his wife and two children he took a sabbatical leave at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in 1976, and a second leave at UBC in 1982. He particularly enjoyed working with his Grad Students who shared his enthusiasm for genetics. Gerald developed a strain of leafcutter bees, a Univoltine Bee, that was predominately free from "2nd Generation." He possessed an abundance of curiosity and creativity, and enjoyed reading and the outdoors – canoeing on the Churchill River, mushroom hunting, camping. In April 2011 Gerald suffered a severe stroke, paralyzing his entire dominant left side. With Frances' aid, he managed to regain a degree of walking ability and was able to go in the car with his wife on small outings. Their son took over the bulk of the work on the tree farm they had developed from 1998. In the summer of 2018, we plan to have a Memorial Service celebrating Gerald's Life with friends and family at the farm. His cremated remains will be at rest at The Columbarium at St. John's. Arrangements in care of Chelsea Krentz – MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (306) 978-5200 You may post condolences at www.mourningglory.ca