Donald Rankin

Donald Rankin was my great uncle, I always remember listening to my poppy talking to him on the phone in Gaelic and wishing I could do the same. It is so nice to hear such kind words about him. He was a truly kind man and indeed like my poppy enjoyed a glass of scotch. Hope you are up there having a glass together. Xoxo.

Donald Rankin

I joined the Bureau of Competition Policy in the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs in June 1976 and was assigned to Don Rankin’s division. At our initial meeting he informed me that my first name was derived from the Gaelic word creag and he then shared some of his background growing up in a Gaelic speaking household in Cape Breton; learning English only when he started to attend public school. We got on vey well as we both enjoyed an abiding interest in all things Scottish. Don had a wonderful dry sense of humour and listening to his many stories was a delight. His reputation as a story teller at social occasions made him a sought-after guest.

Don was the best boss you could ever hope to have and I can still say these words even though I am now close to retirement. As the Division Chief he was accessible and generous in passing on his knowledge and experience. A patient man, Don used encouragement rather than criticism to bring out our best at the office and because of his own dedication to his work he inspired many of us to become career civil servants which we were proud to say. Donald Rankin was a true gentleman and it was an honour to work for him. He will be missed.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family.

Craig R. Fulton
New Westminster, British Columbia

Donald Rankin joined the Competition Bureau within the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs in the late 1940’s. In the mid to late 1970’s, I worked under Mr. Rankin, who in his younger years was known to be a determined, hard working and effective investigator on many price fixing files. As young Bureau officers, my colleagues and I remember him as a wise, respectful and respected manager, a dedicated public servant and a very principled gentleman. He believed that the work of the Bureau was important to Canadians and instilled a sense of pride and purpose in all who worked for him. This is his lasting legacy at the Bureau.
Several of us now-retired Bureau officers attended Mr. Rankin’s service in Ottawa and were fortunate enough to share our thoughts and sentiments with his daughters and even a granddaughter.

I used to live across the street from Don Rankin on Bel-Air Drive in Ottawa.

I cleared snow from his laneway, cut his grass and checked on his place when he was travelling back in the 80's until I moved from my parent's home in 1992.

What a great man - I always respected him and would listen to his stories any chance I could.

Please accept my condolences on your loss.

I always enjoyed the stories Mr. Rankin would tell on my visits to my Mom, Gertrude Herold. Especially the stories about my Dad and St. F X. He is now at peace and in Heaven.
Donna Lauber

Sadden to hear of the news of your dad death. I offer my sincere sympathy to all of you. It was a pleasure to have known your dad & also a great pleasure to be his first cousin. i spend a many good time with him, sharing stories about the old times. Donald will always be remembered in my heart as a great man & cousin.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere sympathy to the family of Donald Rankin on the sadden passing of your dad. Donald was very close to our family & we shared many a good time together & will always be remembered in my heart. My prayers & thoughts are all with you.Donald made many trips to Vancouver & i enjoyed his visits tremendously. His sense of humor was contagious. Donald is saddly missed.

I extend my sincere sympathy to the family of Donald Rankin & was greatly sadden upon the hearing of his death. I will always remember Donald's visits to Vancouver & the many great times our family shared with Donald. There were great times & they will never be forgotten.My Prayers & thoughts are all with you.

I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to the family of Donald Rankin. I had many, many good times with your dad on his visits to the old homestead,great music & & alot of gathering of great friends. I faithfully kept in touch with Donald by phone. I will miss dearly. My prayers & thoughts are all with you.

Today is April 01,2010 I would like to offer this candle & prayers to my cousin Donald's Family to give the support they so much need at this difficult time losing their dad. Your dad is your dad no matter what age they are and it's always difficult to see him go. Thinking of you all & I will keep in touch when things settle down. I will give a call to Bernardette in a few weeks. Take care Love your cousin Anne MacDonald

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere sympathy & condolance to all family & relatives of Donald Rankin. I was sadden to hear of your dad's passing. i was in the hospital when i heard the news. I was only talking to your dad not even three weeks ago. He remembered me & i am greatful i had the chance to have had this chant with your dad not long before his passing. My prayers & thoughts are all with you & i am thinking of you all now as i am typing out this message. I only wish i could be there with you to comfort you all. My memories of your Dad & family will remain in my heart forever. I love you all, Your cousin Anne macDonald

Dear Margaret and Family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing so many of his life stories with me.
My sincere condolences,
Joyce

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sympathy to all the family of Donald Rankin. My prayers & thoughts are with you all. His was a great mam of unconditional love, just like his brother Angus. All of mama Rankin's family were brought up well, Mama gave love to all & we gain our morals from her. Donald will be missed dearly.I was very saddened by the news & was in hospital when I got the news. I talked to Donald not even two weeks ago. He knew me, but couldn't recall if i was ever married. He was very happy to hear from me. I feel grateful that I had the chance to have that little chat with him before he passed on. His memories will always be in my heart. Your Cousin- Anne MacDonald

Margaret and family-
I`m sorry to hear of your father’s passing, he had a very distinguished and full life but I`m sure he will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
With deepest sympathy- Rick

Sorry to learn the lost of your beloved father Margaret, and my deep sincere sympathy and condolence to you and the rest of the family....

God bless, Dan

I have fond memories of visits with Donald when my family was young. A warm, caring man of gentle good humour. Safe home, Donald.

Joy McDonell, Wakefield QC

May you rest in peace , your nurse .

To the Rankin family our sincere sympathy goes out to you in your time of grief, our prayers are with you.
From the Staff on 3rd Floor at WPLTC.

Although I did not know Mr. Rankin, I mourn the passing of another patriotic Canadian hero. I extend my deepest sympathies to you his family and friends, and to him I extend my sincere appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy.

I will remember them.

To the Rankin Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss.
We remembered Donald this morning at Palm Sunday Mass at West Park Health Care Centre where he was a regular every Sunday with his daughter. Your Dad was always a gentle presence and we'll miss seeing you both. Please know that you'd be welcome if you're ever able to join us for Mass. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Sunday Volunteers at WPHCC

Sympathy to Donalds daughters. The great love Donald had for Cape Breton and family will always be remembered. Donald always had alot of knowledge of the family history that he shared with us. Never forgotten Donald Rankin.

Our most sincerest sympathy to cousin Donald's daughters, close friends. May he and my mother (his Aunt Mary Anne) enjoy each others company and share a "snifter" once again. "faod esan fois ann sith" (May he rest in peace) Cousin Roy & wife Chris Cameron & family

Uncle Donald will always be remember for sharing the history of the Rankin's, my first trip around the Cabot Trail and for the wonderful, gentle soul he was. God Bless