IAN RANKIN

RANKIN, Ian Fraser
March 21, 1918 – November 30, 2013
Ian Rankin passed away peacefully at his retirement residence in his 96th year. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marion "Marnie" Kennedy Hay, four children - Nancy Scollard (Steve), Elaine McKnight (Peter), Alan Rankin (Brenda Lyon) and James Rankin (Joan Parkinson). He was also the special "Ampa" to seven grandchildren - Shannon McKnight (Rob Forsythe), Lara McKnight Lipson (Rob), Lindsay Cooper (Gavin), Janet and Thomas Scollard, Nathaniel and Lee Rankin, and four great grandchildren - Hannah and William Lipson, and Macklin and Liam Forsythe. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family which included his parents, Thomas Dunlop Rankin and Catharine McEwen Rankin, sisters Jean Stuart and Marion Westell, and brothers Donald and Keith. Ian was born and raised in Ottawa and attended Hopewell Avenue School and Glebe Collegiate. After obtaining an engineering degree at Queen's University (class of 1941), he joined the RCAF, trained at M.I.T. and earned the rank of squadron leader. After serving in the war, he and his young family lived briefly in Montreal and Ottawa before settling in Port Credit, Ontario in 1955. He had an important role in Canada's fledgling aeronautical industry, and created a number of companies which manufactured component parts for aircraft. In 1984 he and his wife Marnie moved back to Ottawa where he continued to work with his company, IFR and Associates, until well into his late eighties. At the age of 87 he won the ultra competitive family croquet tournament. Even in his nineties he went to concerts, traveled to visit friends and family, listened to his extensive opera collection and fearlessly rode the streets of Ottawa on his e-bike. He had an enthusiasm and passion for life to the end. The family would like to thank the staff at the Edinburgh Retirement Residence for their kindness and thoughtful care during our father's last few months. Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) on Friday, Dec. 6th from 6-8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, December 7th at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. In Memoriam donations to the charity of your choice appreciated.