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William Rankin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Rankin
Jim Bouldin
February 1, 2007
I am truly saddened to hear of this; it is a real loss. This man was ALIVE. Our lives crossed for a time 25 years ago and although our lives and beliefs took very different paths since, I still remember his qualities of sincerity, humor, and intensity, among others. I would much like to have known him under different circumstances.
I send my sympathies to Carmen and his children and other family members.
Shannon Enyart
January 23, 2007
Like everyone, I was shocked when I learned. It just seemed so unreal - my Uncle Bill was gone. Although we live far apart, I think about him all the time - something will remind me of a story my mom or aunt or unle told me about a ridiculously funny thing Uncle Bill did, or I'll think about him when the sun is setting in a particularly beautiful and radiant way. And I can never bake brownies without thinking of him - once when I was at Aunt Carmen and Uncle Bill's house, Aunt Carmen made what she called "Bill Sized Brownies" - these things were easily four inches across! And the Taekwondo class I took with Uncle Bill when I attended Ohio State, and the bat-in-the-garage-birdcage-on-his-head story, and I can never look at a Husky without thinking of Uncle Bill and Rainbow, and... My heart just breaks for my family right now, but it also rejoices in the life Bill Rankin shared with all of us. I was fortunate to attend a suprise birthday party for my Grandma Jean last March with my husband and children - wow, there are alot of us. I was able to watch uncle Bill dance with his beautiful daughters, laugh with his beautiful son, and gaze with love at his beautiful wife - and my children were able to meet one of the happiest, most centered, funniest, most thoughtful, and silliest men I will probably ever have the honor to know. Thank you, Uncle Bill. I love you. Namaste.
Rebekah Rankin
January 21, 2007
I had the pleasure of having William J. Rankin as my FATHER! As Erin said earlier "I feel like I was living a fairytail" Which is so true! Our Dad was THE BEST DAD... He did everything and anything for us, in all his decisions he had to make he always thought of us first! I struggled in school A lot so when I came home he would peek around the corner and could tell by the look on my face if I had a good or bad day, he would hug me and tell me everything was ok then I would just let it all out but he was always there for me to talk to him, a shoulder to cry and arms to cuddle with. I miss him SO MUCH it hurts. I know he will always be with me. My dad Prayed for all of us each and every day. There are so many things to say and share about my Dad I could go on for ever but maybe later :) Thank You to everyone for your prayers and for visiting and helping out how ever we greatly appreciate it!! Daddy I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and I promise to pray for mom,Erin, Augustine,and Sarah every day. I miss you and love you we will see you soon. Love Rebekah J. Rankin
Ruth O'Grady
January 20, 2007
Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Bill's untimely passing. Our family is deeply saddened by the news. Bill was a great leader, mentor, neighbor, and friend. He was like a big brother to Bob. His life of faith, love, wisdom, integrity and compassion touched my lives. Our family is very fortunate to know Bill and his wonderful family. We love you, Bill. You will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you--Carmen, Erin, Beka, Augie, and Sarah. May God comfort you and carry you under His wings during this time of sadness and difficulties.
Mimi Manalac-Goldstein
January 20, 2007
Dear Friends of the Rankin Family: I want to thank you all for your out-pouring of love and support to this wonderful family which is so dear to us all. Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of my brother-in-law Bill Rankin. It's so encouraging to see how many lives he touched and how much he was loved not only by his family members (Rankins and Manalacs) but also by so many friends. We've had so many wonderful memories and good laughs with Bill & Carmen & the kids... all of which we will cherish forever. My earliest memories of the two of them were that they both had a love for the outdoors, an appreciation of nature, and just loved being together. Before i met my husband i had always hoped i would have a love like that someday. They were in love as a young couple and grew more deeply in love throughout their 28 yrs of marriage. They raised beautiful loving kids who i am so thankful to have as my nieces (Erin, Bekah,Sarah) and nephew (Augie). It was so evident how much they loved and cared for each other - even by the little things they did, like Bill making Carmen lunch to take to work and massaging her back while watching TV, and Carmen always telling cute stories about something Bill had done or saying "oh Bill would love to see this" if we went somewhere and he wasn't there. Their love was so true and felt by all who got to spend time with them. Together their selfless acts of kindness and giving touched so many...myself included. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of their lives together. We all will miss Bill SO MUCH. If i may use a quote from him... "it was nice to know you in this lifetime Bill. I will see YOU in Heaven".
Love, Mimi (Carmen's sister)
Christopher Maslon
January 19, 2007
Dearest family of Rankin,
You all are a part of my well-being.
For anyone in the sound of my voice, please listen-
I just wanted to say, Bill, made a impact on my life. I would not have my wife ( Sun Ae ) and baby girl ( Elizabeth Maslon) in my life.
Bill encouraged me to see what a man was, stand up for what is mine, be gentle and aggressive, make it work- if it doesn't work: Check your toolbox and fix it.
Ask yourself now- How did Bill a man who was so wild, be so good? He was a good friend, a good teacher, a father and like so many of us a older brother.
Bill shared many stories of his life "OVER A FENCE" with me.
I know that he enjoyed nature a lot more than some of us. For him it was an adventure.
My best memory of Bill was at a craftshow at(somewhere in the middle of Some-wheres-ville, Ohio), he and I, sat under a VW broken canvas tent, in 100 F summer heat, sunburnt, selling woodcrafts and homemade stuffs. Bill won the day when he sold a wood carving piece. I sold nothing that day. But his kindness to me is heartfelt. I asked myself why him?- He was so young?- You know, I know now that Bill is right now where he wanted to be and wants us to follow. Bill from me to you-
Thank You for changing one young man's life for the better of this world, see you in the next.
Christopher Maslon, South Korea
Leon and Kathy (Garvey) Camerlengo
January 18, 2007
We believe that we gave our friend, Bill, the greatest gift a guy would want in his early 20's--his beloved and devoted dog, Rainbow. Bill, in turn, gave us the gift of friendship during those trying times of college years.
His exuberant smile was our reward for an exhausting day of studying. Bill taught us how to live carefree and joyful, with just enough risk-taking to make our days together interesting and memorable.
Thank you, Rankin Family, for sharing your wonderful son with us. The memories of our times together will live in our hearts forever.
Rich and Dawn DeSimone
January 18, 2007
Dear Carmen, Erin, Augie, Sarah and Bekah,
Dawn and I are deeply saddened by Bill's untimely passing.
We feel very fortunate to have been your neighbors for five years and were just talking about your family the other day and how much we miss seeing you all.
Bill always had a kind word and a smile - and we will always remember our feelings of comfort and motivation by see him working around the house.
Bill was an awesome guy who loved his family above all else. I know his spirit will guide you through the rest of your lives.
Sue (Battocletti) Sevenich
January 18, 2007
M.A.
While no words of mine can ease your loss, I just wanted you to know that I am grieving with you and thinking of you constantly.
Bill was a wonderful talented person and memories of him will always live in my heart. You, Carmen, his children, and your family have my deepest sympathy and love.
Sharon Johnson
January 18, 2007
I've just returned to the 'ville from Bill's funeral service in Columbus. To say that it was a "moving" ceremony is putting it mildly. I am truly honored to have been able to be there to say farewell to my childhood/teenage friend, & the brother I never had. The Rankins came from California in the early 60's and settled on Argonne Ave. in Steubenville, Oh. - needless to say the neighborhood was never the same (& neither were we!) My sisters & I (Pam Gigi & Mellissa Johnson) were glad to have new kids to play with - we were spying on them in the woods across the street as they were moving in!! Man were those boys handsome!! And all the girls were beautiful! And in the 60's the term "single mom" was unheard of, but Mrs. Rankin, the strength of this brood of "california kids" was just that - a single mom raising 7 children; She was & is today one strong & remarkable woman - which is proven in the character/integrity of her son Bill and all of his siblings. Bill & I were close friends and shared alot of good times together as well as our love of music esp. Beatles. He had painted a Beatle Van (the coolest vehicle in Steubenville) in the early 70's & when he wanted to sell it, it was what I wanted to buy for my first car - just because it was Bill's & he painted it so awesomely. I had a bad "crush" on him most of my early teenage yrs. Most girls in the city had "crushes" on the Rankin boys!!! I graduated in '73 from CCHS with Mary Alice, his sister, who was one of my very best friends; Bill graduated in '72 with my sister Pam. I had a '69 VW convertible beetle and I'd be coming down the hill from work & he'd run out the front door of his house & say "Hey, you wanna go to Columbus for the weekend?" (Mary Alice was at Ohio State) And I say yeah! I'd go get my stuff & come back up the hill on Argonne Ave. where we lived as neighbors & he'd be ready & waiting, with his guitar & his dog 'Rainbow' & the three of us would "cruise" to Columbus listening to good "tunes" & sometimes Bill would play his guitar. These are my fondest memories of time spent with Bill. Always that boyish grin of his, laughter and the twinkle in his eyes. The love he showed was genuine & from the heart. I just met his beautiful children tonight, Erin, Auggie, Becca, Sara (not sure if that's birth order???) I knew Carmen from CCHS, & hadn't seen her in yrs., but she is as sweet, kind & beautiful as in those early Central yrs. Carmen & Kids, my heart is with you, as are my prayers that God will comfort your hearts and ease the sorrow and sadness of your loss. Mrs. Rankin, Kathy, John, Mike, MARY ALICE (DEAR FRIEND), Pat & Beth - you are like family to us Johnson girls. My heart is with you - and I love you'ns. I am proud & honored to have know your son/brother & to have called him Friend. #83 from CCHS's State Champ team that year will always live on in our hearts. There was something special & "unique" about the blonde-haired Rankin boy. So many gifts & talents. The creativity, his artwork. He left an impression wherever he went. He left his mark on us all & on this world, as if to say "BILLY RANKIN WAS HERE." Of all of his great art - the best of all was Bill's "art for living." I will never forget him, and give thanks to Jesus for the time of life that we shared. And I also look forward with assurance to that day when I will see him (and Jesus!) again! Goodbye Bill! love you, sharon (johnson)
Dick and Jody Deardorff
January 17, 2007
Our sincere sympathies and prayers go out to your family...while we didn't know your husband and father... after seeing the slide show, hearing the music,seeing the family albums, and his art work... he becomes very knowable :) It's as if he could not be contained! I'm sure your father(husband)has stored up many treasures in heaven and I can "only imagine" that he dances before Jesus even now as he did at Erin and Chad's wedding. May the Father that he loved so much fill your hearts with love and give you peace.
Johnny DiAlbert
January 17, 2007
Dear Carmen and the kids, especially Sarah, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I remember Bill from the old days back at Central. He was a senior and I was a sophomore. At that time in our young lives, most seniors really didn't have much time or interest in "lowly" sophomores. However, that was not the case with "Rank". I'll always remember him as being just a "nice" guy. I mean he was like a role model to me. He had it all. He was good looking, a great athlete, smart, funny, artistic. He had every opportunity to be a conceited idiot. But not him. He couldn't be that way if someone paid him. He was just a nice, kind, and friendly guy to us "lowly" sophomores. I guess there's some truth to the saying that "the good die young". It is certainly true with Billy Rankin.
Vanessa Drzayich(Szypulski)
January 17, 2007
Carmen,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you,your family & the whole Rankin family.
I went to Catholic Central with Bill. He was a very unique and talented person. What I remember the most about him was how he lit up a room with his smile when he walked in. I also remember the murals on the walls in the art room that showed how much he loved the beatles.
Bill was well loved by anyone that knew him, he will surely be missed by all.
renee Zawacki Weber
January 17, 2007
Dear Carmen and the entire Rankin family..So very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful,beautiful personyou called husband, brother,son,dad..uncle..to me he was just Rankin.Since meeting him in 4th grade at Holy Rosary, he has always been kind, and cute, and smiled forever.I remember all of us walking to North End field for a baseball game and on the way home I got to carry his shoes once!All my thoughts of Bill are those of happiness and how naturally he did things in his life.So much love in his heart..May God grant him eternal peace..Renee Zawacki Weber
Sterling House of Lancaster
January 17, 2007
Tim, God Bless your family. Celebrate the memories as we are learning to do. Valinda
Janet Shaffstall
January 17, 2007
Dear Carmen & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Shaffstall, RN
Brent, Judy Curtiss
January 16, 2007
Carmen and kids. Like you did for many, you made us (my family) a part of your family. I cannot measure the impact that you as a family and Bill in particular have had on us personally. Bill lived his gospel by encouraging, challenging, loving and giving (with an occasional push when necessary). A part of Bill has been transplanted in many of the (formerly) young men he mentored. He made us better men, husbands, fathers, friends and followers of Christ. His home was a warm, welcoming, and safe place. He will be greatly missed. Carmen, may God comfort you and your family. Our prayers and love are with you. Thank you for sharing Bill with us these past 25 years.
Miriam Carrigg Wise
January 16, 2007
Dear Carmen and Rankin Family,
All my brothers and sisters were so heartbroken to hear about Billy. I grew up and was good friends with Mary Alice, Bill's sister, and my brother Chris was good friends with Billy, and I'm sure there was probably a Carrigg for each Rankin. We all have many memories of Bill and though it has been a while since any of us had seen him, his spirit and memory come back so vividly. In fact, just in the week before he died I was driving my daughter to school and I began reminiscing about my childhood and somehow Billy Rankin became the focus of the conversation. I told her how spirited he was, what a gifted artist and athlete he was, how he married a good childhood friend of her Aunt Tessie's,(Theresa Carrigg Araya), and what a handsome family the Rankins were. My dad has a very clear memory of Bill on the Crusader football field, going out for a pass, cutting across the field and catching the ball for a touchdown in the end zone.
From the comments of friends of Carmen and Bill's, he was a wonderful husband and father. Good bye Billy Rankin and may you rest in peace. In the words of Saint Paul, you fought the good fight, and finished the race, you have kept the faith.
Bill's love of God's creation was a blessing to dozens of young men.
January 16, 2007
The view from the campsite. This is the chair Bill made during the trip.
January 16, 2007
Bill in West Virginia, about 1993, with the Men's Campout
January 16, 2007
Sterling House of Canton and Barberton
January 16, 2007
We are deeply sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Eric Schoppelrei
January 16, 2007
Dear Carmen, Erin, Rebekah, Augustine and Sarah,
Thank you for sharing a great man of God with so many. As a young man and a new Christian, I got to know Bill through our Bible studies together. I was always amazed at his love for you that was only second to his love for Jesus. He was my first close-up model of what a Christian husband and father should be. Not someone who was religous but someone who lived the life of Christ. I loved that Bill was genuine, never pretending to be perfect or something he wasn't. When Cathy told me the news, I was saddened that I would not get to see that contagious smile or hear that wonderful laugh in person again. If there is anything our family can do for your family please let us know. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Love,
Eric, Cathy and children
Bill, 02 Aug 1981, Brock Univ., St. Catharine's, Ontario
January 16, 2007
Sterling House of Mansfield
January 16, 2007
To the family and friends of William James Rankin. May the peace that passes all your understanding guide your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. We are praying for you.
Erin Deardorff
January 16, 2007
My family first got to know Mr Rankin through the stories of his children, so we were all predisposed to like him and think highly of him. Meeting him in person just strengthened those opinions. It is easy to see how a man with such character can leave a great impact on those who knew him...
We would like to offer condolences to you, even though that seems too little. It is a privilege to know your father and husband. With love and appreciation for including us in your lives, ~Erin, Melissa, Loren, Scott and Jake
JOANN CAMPANA EDGAR
January 16, 2007
CARMEN, RANKIN FAMILY AND DEAREST FRIENDS
I AM SO DEEPLY SADDENED AND SHOCKED TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.
I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN BILL IN OUR YOUNGER YEARS; ALTHOUGH OUR PATHS HAVE CROSSED ONLY A FEW TIMES SINCE, I WILL CHERISH THOSE TIMES FOREVER IN MY HEART. BILL IS SUCH A SPECIAL, LOVING, SPIRITUAL AND TALENTED PERSON, AND SOUNDS AS IF HE CONTINUED TO LOVE LIFE, AND LIVE IT TO ITS FULLEST. I AM FINDING MUCH COMFORT READING THESE MEMORIUMS, KNOWING HOW MUCH HE IS LOVED AND WILL BE MISSED, AND HOW HE LIVED SUCH A MEANINGFUL LIFE.
MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU WHO ARE SO DEAR TO HIM.
WITH DEEPEST AND MOST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY
Mary Brown
January 16, 2007
Carmen and kids, I thank you for sharing your husband and Dad with me. You are all so precious!
I have so many wonderful memories of Bill. During a very stressful time in my life, he and his family took me to their hearts and I even lived with them for several months. At that time Bill was like a Dad to me.
Bill loved his family so much. He loved and served them in every way. I remember him carrying loads and loads of laundry up the many stairs at South Campus.
What an example of loving faith Bill is! He was always serving others at any time of the day or night. He loved to spend time in God's Word and to prepare for Bible studies in his home. His teaching was so practical and down-to-earth, anyone could understand more and grow in faith by listening to Bill.
Some of my most vivid memories are of Bill sitting at the head of the table before Bible study and singing his heart out, tapping his hand on the table to the old hymns. I particularly remember "Stepping in the light"--"How Beautiful to walk in the steps of the savior, stepping in the light"
Bill, you lived in the light of Christ and you are now truly stepping in the light of heaven.
Dave & Carrie Davisson
January 16, 2007
We rejoice in the certain hope that Bill is with the Lord and are heartbroken for Carmen, Erin, Bekah, Auggie and Sarah. We are praying for God's strength and comfort and guidance for you all and we'll miss Bill and never forget his faith, honesty and his smile.
cindi (knapp) mayer-passarelli
January 16, 2007
to all the rankins,
it's really hard to know what to say here....this was very shocking news. i spent alot of time while growing up around around bill's family (who are my aunt and cousins), and although i haven't seen him in many, many years i can close my eyes and still see his very mischieviuos grin as if i just saw it yesterday.
i have heard alot about him and his own wonderful family over the years, and i know that he will be missed very much. it sounds to me like he was one very lucky man who had a wonderful and happy life, and was very much loved.
i have bill's family in my thoughts and prayers.
and my heart goes out to you aunt jean, john, kathy, mike, mary alice, patti and beth.
cindi (knapp) mayer-passarelli
Kathy (Kosikowski) Merlo
January 16, 2007
To the Rankin Family:
Words cannot express what I am feeling in my heart for all of you or does is soften the pain that you are feeling now. I graduated with Bill from Catholic Central and had the opportunity to see him and share some laughter with him at our last class reunion. Bill was so proud of his family and so happy and content with life. He has accomplished so much and his creativity was unbelievable! When you think of Bill you remember his beautiful smile and incredible engery as he touched so many lives. His heart was bigger than the world. I know the Class of "72" is saddened by this news as all our memories of Bill will stay in our hearts forever, especially when we hear a Beetles song! I can still see him playing that air guitar in high school!
With much love,
Kathy
Terry Lelli
January 16, 2007
My memories of Bill was his smile. Bill made friends no matter where he went. His main Love was his family. The thing I remember the most about Bill was the love for the Beattles. Carmen, I'm lost for words in this sadness, but I know one thing for sure,The Dear Lord will always look after you and your family.
Lu (Talamonti) Stock
January 15, 2007
To the entire Rankin family:
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Bill. Each passing day he will be missed by the many people that he had touched in his life. My prayers are with you at this time. Lu (Talamonti) Stock
Erica Hicks
January 15, 2007
We will forever miss the warm, wise, Godly man, especially the michevious sparkle in Bill's eyes...but his legacy lives on in his kids, my dear friends. You can see his same sparkle in their eyes.
(Looking forward to flying up there and enjoying memories together!)
Jamie Starkey
January 15, 2007
Rankin Family,
Mr. Rankin always demonstrated such a kind and caring spirit to everyone. Although, I had only spent time with him a few times over the years, he always greeted me as if we were old friends.
Mr. Rankin's love for his family was one of the strongest I have every seen. Not many teenagers/college kids enjoy the company of their parents, but Mr. Rankin had a special way of relating to everyone - making them feel loved and welcome. He was most certainly a special guy.
Natalie, Abby, and myself will keep you in our prayers asking the Lord of life to bring you peace and comfort through his gentle strength.
Nate and Mandy Thomas
January 15, 2007
The Rankin Family,
Nate and I were so saddened to learn of the death of Bill. He always had a smile on his face and was such a kind and soft-spoken man and I know he will be missed. We are daily praying for your family and please call if you need anything.
Chris Carrigg
January 15, 2007
Bill Rankin was a good friend of mine. We went to high school together, played football together, raised more than a little hell together, and even planned to run away together (Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - you can guess who was Huck). I was privileged to be in Bill and Carmen's wedding, and also to be Erin's godfather.
After high school our lives took us in different directions just because that's how it goes, but when we bumped into one another along the road, we quickly resumed our friendship. My memories of Bill are frozen in time, but I know that his life beyond our youth was one of substance: a good husband and provider, a good father, and a generous spirit to anyone he encountered. I know his faith in God kept him strong and always positive. This same faith will sustain his family in the days ahead and will make Bill proud.
I know exactly when I last talked to my old buddy Billy James. It was my 50th birthday, December 2, 2003; it was 7:30 in the morning. I was on Interstate 70 somehwere and I heard a Beatle song. I said to myself I got to call Rank. He answered the phone and as soon as he figured out who it was, he started laughing. We had a good talk, mostly about our respective families, and as always, resolved to stay in touch. Several months later I received an invitation to attend his 50th birthday party and I regret to say that I didn't make it. But I'm sure that regardless of how lame my excuse, he'll always think of me as an old friend - that's the kind of guy he was. God bless you Bill and your family.
Patti Bratcher
January 15, 2007
I have had the pleasure of knowing this beautiful man all my life. He had a way of making you feel so special and so loved. The love he had for his family was so profound, especially for his wife, Carmen. I will always remember his smile (which I rarely saw him without!). He had a way of lighting up a room with his presence. His crazy antics will be missed. He has made such an impression on my life. I was in such awe of this man. I am so proud to call him my brother. Bill, you will be missed more than you will ever know. I Love You.
Andrew Matthews
January 15, 2007
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. His life verse was Mark 8:34 which calls Christians to take up their cross. Now he has finished carrying his cross and is wearing his crown. Though he is experiencing joy we must bear the sorrow. Our prayers go out to Carmen and his family.
Beth Overholt
January 15, 2007
Carmen,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the kids. We are so sorry. I remember how happy Bill was at his 50th birthday party. We all had so much fun with the Beatles costume theme.
Love,
Beth, Dave, Allison, Claire & Grace
Mike Toomey
January 15, 2007
To the Rankin Family,
Pleas accept my deepest condolences during this time of sorrow.
I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Bill a few years ago through his brother John. Over the past few years I had the opportunity of spending time with Bill, at many family functions. At his siter-in-lawJean's funeral, at his nephew Aarons graduation party, At his mothers 80th birthday party, and several times at Canfield Swap Meets. He was an outstanding gentlemen and is a wonderful follower of Christ. His humor and outgoing personality is hard to find.!
John always talked about his brother Bill, but until I meet him and spent time with him, I found him to be an awesome person.
Mike Toomey & Family
Moon Twp. Pa
Pam (Johnson) Maroon
January 15, 2007
Carmen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. From the time I met him when we were both eight years old, Billy always had a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes. I think he knew how much joy there was to be found in every day and he was determined to share that joy will all who knew him. Today in heaven,there is Beatle music playing!
Renee' Zartman-Stephens-Williams
January 15, 2007
Hey Rankins,
Erin and Becka I was closest to growing up, their friendship was so important. Carmen got me threw the delivery of two of my children beautifully. I am greiving for the family, yet blessed because I believe he was a man of God and is with Jesus. I am thankful that I was able to know him.
John Fox
January 15, 2007
NOBODY can fully express the spiritually positive impact that Bill
Rankin has had on HUNDREDS (maybe thousands) of lives.
Both Lisa and I (at different times) lived with Bill's family. He was like a true big brother and spiritual mentor to both of us.
It was Bill Rankin that approached John while he lay on the OSU oval
contemplating the meaninglessness of life. John had spend months in
the library looking into every form of "meaning" tried by man. That
day on the oval, he was staring into the sky with no answers. Bill
brought him the answer -- God's Word.
John and Bill studied the Bible together for years. But, Bill did more
than that -- he shared his life, and even his family with John. They
worked together, ate together, laughed together, learned together.
Bill Rankin is the man behind the naming of our second son -- Enoch WILLIAM Fox. That is how much he meant to our lives.
John Hicks
January 15, 2007
Hey guys... I am very sorry to hear about your loss... He was a great man. You could always sense his love for his family when you were around him.
If you guys need anything. Let us know. Erica will be up there this weekend, but I unfortunately can not get the time off work. But know that I will be thinking and praying for you guys
Alan Budd
January 15, 2007
Cradled in the Father's arms
Like a child, held close
No harm to come
Bright and Glorious morn
The visitor to this world
Now home
Our hearts torn,
With sadness and ache,
With assurance and faith
Knowing Bill is safe,
covered in grace,
loved with passion
My heart is here for you all. I know how much you loved and respected him. He earned that with his heart and his life. I am praying for you and that the Lord will comfort and hold you.
Lisa Fox
January 15, 2007
Bill Rankin lived the words "What Would Jesus Do". He opened his life, family, home, EVERYthing to serve others.
What I remember most - his BIG prayer life; his BIG sense of humor; his BIG love for the great outdoors; his BIG love for his wife and children.
Dan Feeney
January 15, 2007
My name will be familiar only to Mike and Elaine but I knew Bill very young and then we worked together for a short time when we were both much younger.
This is terribly sad and I offer deepest sympathy to you all.
My brother Tom told me yesterday and I was stunned. Again, deepest sympathy.
Dan Feeney
David & Marlene Jerome
January 15, 2007
Dear Erin & Chad,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you! May the Lord bless you with a peace that you have never known before. We pray that you will sense a new awareness of His presence to comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Love and prayers,
Corinne Thomas
January 15, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a neat person. I always enjoyed when I would visit you at the house talking to him and playing pool. He was always smiling when I saw him. Everyone is in my prayers. Love you.
Julie Castell
January 15, 2007
I heard many stories about Bill and growing up with him as a father from his daughter Erin.
Carmen, his wife, and I often talked and it was obvious what a special relationship and loving family they were. I attended Erin and Chad's wedding in October and saw how proud her father was to walk her down the aisle and give her away to Chad, who was like a son to him.
The death of a parent is a painful and tragic life altering event. I know with the strength of the family and their faith they will travel this road together. Erin, your dad was a great father and is in a wonderful place. It's the people he loved and that loved him that bear the pain & grief. Love to you all.
Don Pearson
January 13, 2007
Bill was one of my 'heroes of faith.' I'll always remember his leading us down and back up mountains in WVa during the annual men's campouts. I remember one time he made a really cool chair out of some twine and branches he'd gathered. One time he mentioned that he liked to go somewhere he'd been before and pray for himself as he was back then. He told me that he knew God was powerful enough to answer prayers for things in the past. Well, Bill, God's child, here's a prayer of thanksgiving for your life which was well lived but way too short. I know you are with the Lord now, and I am happy for you. I offer thanks for all the times I saw your gentle but powerful faith in action. As it says in Hebrews, chapter 38 about the prophets "the world was not worthy of them." The world was not worthy of you, Bill.
Dave Zapolnik
January 13, 2007
Sorry to hear of Bills passing,he will be missed by many friends. Bunny and Dave Zap
Dave and bunny Zapolnik
January 13, 2007
sorry to hear of bills passing,he will be missed. bunny and dave zap
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Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Rankin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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