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BORN
1943
DIED
2009
David Rankin Obituary
He was born Dec. 23, 1943, in Waltham, Mass., the son of Robert A. Rankin. David loved his flag and country, serving three tours of duty in Vietnam as a Navy frogman and jumper. He was also a former member of the Los Angeles Police Department.
A farmer and resident of Tularosa, David owned and operated Rock Can-D Arabians. David loved nature and being out in it. He was devoted to his animals, especially his Arabian horses. David loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle and made many trips across country to see friends and attend dance classes.
An avid ballroom dancer, David made many friends in the ballroom dancing community. He often danced at the VFW, the Elks Club, Mountain Dance Academy in Ruidoso and other dance venues in the area.
David was a Shriner, as well as a member of the Elks Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Los Angeles Police Association.
David is survived by his cousins Colin Rankin, Shelly Rankin Jones and family, and Gary Chamberlain. He was preceded in death by his father and by his close friend, Bud Hightower.
David had many friends who appreciated him for his fine qualities of kindness, honesty, loyalty, compassion, his many interests and his generous nature. David was willing to help out anyone when he could.
He will be missed by many whose lives he touched, but most especially by his closest friends, Nelly and Richard Frazier, Roy and Sheila Ray, Dr. Jagdev and Leslie Singh, Dr. Deiter Dennig, Weldon and Sharla Ganaway, Homer and Loretta Johnson and Ann Bagby.
A memorial service for David will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, at 5 p.m. at the Tularosa Senior Center, at 1050 Bookout Road, across the street and east of Lowe's Pay & Save.
MCL Chaplain Richard Frazier will officiate. A reception will follow.
Interment will be Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at Riverside National Cemetery, where David will be placed next to his father, whom he loved dearly.
We do not know how many lives David influenced, but we know that he will be greatly missed by his many friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Rankin
4 Entries
Dave Warshawsky
December 18, 2009
Sir Fair winds and a following sea to a fellow sailor!
Mike Casey
December 15, 2009
Mr. Rankin,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice-first for our Country when you served with the USN during the Vietnam War and secondly for the citizens of Los Angeles when you served with the LAPD. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Carol Basile
December 13, 2009
Dave was a true and fast friend. He was always there for you when you needed help. No matter how much pain he was in, he always had a smile and a helping hand. I miss Dave, but know he's in heaven ripping up the streets of gold on his Heavenly Harley!You go Dave!
Chris Coyle
December 11, 2009
Dave was truly a great person. He would, without hesitation, wake up in the middle of the night and help out if needed.
Your positive exemplary personality will be missed when I come to Tularosa.
Chris Coyle
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