Raylene Marguerite Rankin-Anderson

Love you Guys, hope you are all holding up, its hard I know.
Jim

I am sad to see this guest book close.

We loved hearing Raylene's voice when she and her family have performed here in Winnipeg, MB. We sure miss the melodious voices of The Rankin Family in person and treasure them on the CD's that we play.

Though time has passed, I still feel our tremendous loss whenever I hear her voice. Greatest singer ever!

So sad, so sad to lose another Rankin too soon. How thankful we can be for the lovely music she and her siblings made over the years. She and John Morris continue to live in it. Del Palmer, Westminster, Maryland

I'm so sorry. Fare thee well, love.

It is with sadness I discover the passing of Raylene Rankin. I am currently listening to her duet with Dennis Ryan (Mist Covered Mtns of Home), on his same titled CD. Raylene has the voice of an angel, and I know she will be missed here on Earth, but heaven will sound sweeter than ever before. Peace with you and your family Raylene.

I felt a strong sense of loss when I heard of Raylene's passing. I remember her singing "We Rise Again" with her siblings at Massy Hall. She brought me to tears with that performance. And only a short while ago I had the privilege of hearing her with Cookie and Heather singing Christmas Carols nearby in Barrie. Another performance I will never forget. she remains alive in my memory. My condolences to you and your family for her loss.

Sorry to hear about the loss of such a beautiful young woman. may she find rest in the Lord's embrace. thank you for your beautiful voice Raylene.

My sympathy to the family of Raylene

So Sorry to hear about Raylene, We were glad to see her in Concert, in Toronto On, such a lovely voice...... Out thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless you Raylene.

Kay & Dan Murphy, Barrie, ON.

I just heard that Rayleen passed away! I first met her and her sisters in the 1980s on West Mabou beach. Although I did not know her well her music touched my soul and always reminded me of Cape Breton. Although I have travelled the world I would agree with Alexander Grahman Bell that for simple beauty Cape Breton out rivals them all! There is no question that Rayleen and her family made it even more special through their music. Yes, we do indeed rise again in the faces of our children and I am sure that her son will one day make her very proud. If we have faith we must belive that she has gone to a better world and is now up their with John Allan Cameron and others singing a tune and enjoying a good Keiths Ale!

Fare thee well..

I am saddened by Raylene's demise. "We rise again" That is my hope and was Raylene's hope too.
Paolo Tesi - Prato, Toscana (Italia)

We were fortunate enough to be invited backstage and met Raylene at Big Pond in 1999, on a trip to Cape Breton whilst, ironically, Sue was recovering from breast cancer. The welcome she gave us and her warmth have remained with us ever since and we shall never forget her. Cape Breton and the world have lost a great talent and a lovely person and our thoughts are with her family and friends. With much love, Sue & Ron

My deepest condolences to the family. Raylene's passing feels like a close family member has passed, even though we never met. My prayers are with you all.

A Wonderful talent. She and the Angels are singing together. Bless the Rankin Family & I pray your sorrow lessens soon. You have my regard & admiration.
Jim Perkins
Dayton, Ohio, U.S.

We, too, lost our dear sister Janice 7 years ago, age 51, to cancer. So sad but these sisters leave us with memories of the years we had together. We, too, were singers, "The Huckabay Sisters", entertaining at Red Cross Concerts, church socials & family gatherings. What a gift our parents & grandparents have given us . . . the love of music & singing.

My husband & I were Maritimers for 7 years, enjoying your live shows many times. Thank you for that gift.

Our hearts are heavy. "Lambs in Spring" is playing as I write this at McIntyre's in Baddeck. We have been Rankin Family lovers since first we heard of you in the 1990's. Even in far-off California you are beloved. Raylene, God rest your soul. .. Carol and Ed Brink

I wrote earlier, but if not out of line I would like to send this to the rest of the family. It hekped me a lot.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die

Fly with the angels, Raylene

This world has lost a voice silenced so much too soon. In her loss we will never again experience the live harmony of that most special sound of The Rankin Family and the fresh and alive sounds of Cape Breton and indeed the East Coast. Our only solace is that she has left a legacy of vocal music both solo and with sisters and family and that music for the 20 years since Gillis Mountain will continue to please the ears of all who heear it for it is that music that will play on forever and so Raylenes angel voice will continue to touch all who hear it. If there is a heaven she will be looking down and we all will hear her voice in those wonderful songs that we have to remember a beautiful person who we all have lost and will miss.

Gordon Heffler - Broadcaster
SeasideFM - Halifax/Eastern Passage

So sorry to hear about Raylene. While living in Atlanta, Ga. we vacationed in Cape Breton. Fell in love with her sound and used her music as my "go to music when I was down. So when we retired and moved back to C.B. I had the chance to meet and perform with the back up choir for her at the celebration for the Canso Causeway. What a thrill. Not only was the voice rich and lovely so was the personality of the performer. It was an encounter I will remember forever. The world has lost one of its greatests treasures!

I love the Rankin Family and I am so sorry to hear that such a beautiful voice and spirit has left the earth but I am consoled to know that she's singing with the angels with her heavenly voice. RIP angel with the sweet voice.

it is with heavy heart and great loss we say goodbye to another of the rankin family,we as canadians must mourn but also cherish the memory and spirit of one that gave us so much joy and pleasure!When (they) and we lost their brother they kept bringing us the music we so loved and needed..and with the loss of yet another cherished member of this beloved canadian family we must muster our love and prayers and wish them through this terrible time!! my love and respect goes out to all the members of this canadian institution!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

my condolences ronnie

I am so sorry to hear of Raylene's passing. I loved her songs and her voice. She will be a bright light in heaven where her angelic voice will fit right in. Thank you for all of the pictures you placed online. I especially enjoyed the picture of her in the big chair with her son, Alexander, at Christmastime. My prayerful condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed by many.............Tirzah Odishaw (Calgary, AB)

My prayers and condolences to the family of Raylene. As I look at the many Rankin photo's of the years gone by, in your galleryI have on my favorite Rankin CD and as I write this entry I hear ,We Rise Again , What a legacy ! I am thankfull I have the luxury to hear that beautiful voice whenever I want. I also come from a musical family and the pictures of that ol 'upright paino and the guitars looks like it could have been our living growing up. We also lost one of our sisters this summer and it leaves an ache that doesn't want to go away.Thank God for our music and memories of better days! I pray God takes care of your Raylene and gives you peace till you meet again !
Sherry Conrad (HRM. NS)

Sorry you losted one of your dearest song birds in this old world. Although Raylene will live in our heart we all will miss her. More so with you her family as it is hard to lose anyone from your family to death. I can say I know what it is all about as I too have lost members of my faimly plus close friends to death. All though I know where most are as they as in Heaven with our Lord God and His Son Jesus. God bless you all and remeber that God loves you. Keep singing as that is what Raylene would want you to do. As I love all your singing.
From your friend in Christ

Our sincere condolences and prayers to the Rankin Family on your loss of a beautiful sister . The voice of an angel has been silenced but her memory and songs will live on. I'm sure she and John Morris,Kathleen and your Mom and Dad are planning a ceilidh in Heaven at this moment.The Rankins have brought such wonderful music to the world and we hope that they will continue to do so. You are the Pride of Cape Breton.To Colin and Alexander,your angel will watch over you every day until you meet again. Fare Thee Well dear Raylene. You have left a legasy behind. Rest in peace. Jack and Sylvia Hopkins, Louisdale, Cape Breton.

So very sorry for your loss. My husband and I are from Newfoundland, now living in Toronto. The Rankin Family brought us home to our roots. Thank you so much for your music and presence.

So sad to have to send your family these words of sorrow ,you have fought such a battle with this monster we all call CANCER,you are now with the Angels to join in their beautiful choir,I pray for your family ,and a cure for this disease,may each and everyone of you find find strength in each other,and thank God that he has let you all have shared a wonderful part in Raylene's beautiful life,she will always be with you,when you see something beautiful you are looking at something that Raylene has sent you, may God bless each and everyone of you.

Raylene, You were and Angel now at peace no more pain and suffering you were an extended family member. Our family and the Rankin clan would share Thanks giving feast together at James StClairs house many times We were close in our age and like a sister in many ways. I always made every attempt to see u in concert where ever I was. My one memory that stayed close to my heart was Kay asked my Mother to give you singing lessons and the Keliegh at our home in Kewstoke in the early 70's. May your legacy be remembered and live forever. Love always Eric Mullendore Laredo,Texas

I just listened to CBC this morning and learnd the story of Raylene and her songs. When I heard the song "We rise again", my heart was really touched. I recalled someone said our life should be something larger than ourselves. In this regard, Raylene life will continue to be with everyone she loved and how love her through her song.

All the best to her husband and her son.

music has lost a great friend. Deepest sympathy to the Rankin Family.



Gerry. Kerry Ireland

I want to express my condolences to you and all of your family. I have enjoyed Raylene's music since the first concert i attended at the savoy when I was 3 years old. She will be missed. Sincerely,Adele warner.

I was so sorry to hear of Raylene's passing at such an early age. I remember the first time I met her and all her family in Mabou so very long ago with Denis and Dermot. The family were so welcoming and hospitable and so full of music and joy.
We have indeed lost another great voice and person from the ranks of the wealth of talent that abounds all over the east coast.
Our thoughts are with all of the family at this time.
Fergus, Irene and Fergus, St. John's

Locked Diary

When you loose a loved one
the diary is neglected
You forgot what it contained awhile ago
The mystery is where is the key
Perhaps in Spirits keeping
shall we leave it there put it all to rest
Will then our strentgh be whole?

Erma Siteman

My Prayers and thoughts are with the Rankin/Anderson families Raylene will always remain in my heart she is an angelic angel with her Angelic voice
may God Bless

Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Raylene Rankin.A beautiful Canadian voice that will remain in our hearts.
Unah and Andrew Grieve

Fans frromToronto

I'm so very sorry to hear of the passing of Raylene. She had such a beautiful voice and will be in the hearts of your fans forever. I just lost my Mother to cancer in Dec. 2011 after a terrible battle; bless you all for what you have gone through.

Raylene made such a great contribution to Celtic music around the world. She was an inspiration and great role model for young women musicians and she will continue to be honoured and revered by the women and men that follow her. She will be missed but we will continue to listen to her beautiful heartfelt voice. My heart goes out to the Rankin family and friends.

Thanks for the music, Raylene! You're with us all still...

Glenn Walton

So sorry to hear the loss of raylene. my thought and prayeres go out to the family. She will forever be missed!!!!!!!

My heart goes out to Raylene's family and friends. I saw her many times in concert and was always struck by her warmth and the love that was part of the show itself. It felt like the audience was being invited in as family. I am so sad that she is gone - and all too soon - but hope there is comfort in the memories of her voice and her love.

Colin and Alexander: I first saw your wife/mum on stage in Vancouver in the early 80s; it was so evident that she just oozed personality, yet she never once took over the stage from her brothers and sisters. She was clearly not just a star in personality and in that heart lifting, rendering and moving voice. I will also never forget; she was just as big and as gracious a person to those around her. I really did notice that very thing about her that night and this is not my thoughts about Raylene now that she has passed and waits with those she lost and loved and now sees again I believe that she is with you now in spirit. You will see her again, as she will be there as you join her in God's eternal grace when your time comes. You have been blessed in this life and you will be again. It's hard to believe right now; but it is true.. Many people, including me, are praying for you both and for the Rankin and Anderson families at this time of great loss.

During our young daughter Daina's final struggles with cancer, she was able to see her favourite group the Rankin Family in Hamilton and Brantford Ont. The music brought her so much joy and happiness. Thank you for your gift of music. Our sincere condolences to all of Raylene's family and friends.

So sorry to hear of the loss of Raylene. Her angelic voice has comforted me as I listened to "We Rise Again" after my Dad's passing in March. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

I first met Raylene at a concert at my church in Calgary in the early '90s. From that time to the last that I met her, at the height of the Rankin Family fame, she was funny, warm and engaging--fame hadn't changed her at all. Her warmth, her love of family and her extraordinary voice will not be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.

Raylene is an angel. Her beautiful voice and spirit brought joy and comfort to me. Her legacy will live on forever.

Jacoba Dedert

I was very sad to hear that Raylene had died. My family and I have heard the Rankins in concert many times, met them backstage.They have meant a lot to our family. It was always a thrill to hear Raylene sing "We Rise Again" & hit the high note at the end with such strength and power and clarity. Her voice and music has brought joy and beauty to my family's life for many years and will continue to do so. She's a star that had to go too soon.
My condolences to all her family, especially husband Colin and son Alexander.

It's not often I shed a tear, period, let alone for someone I never actually met. Such is the connection that music makes. I've been following Raylene's battle through the years, ever hopeful. This is heart breaking. Luckily, her music lives on.

To Raylene's family - I had the honour of hearing Raylene sing and speak at the Music Care Conference, Fredericton, NB June/2012. She made everyone in the audience feel like she was singing in our kitchen's. Before she started her show, she told us that she was missing her son Alexander "the love of her life" and was worried how he would get along with her in NB, but that her wonderful husband Colin, told her to "relax - we will be fine"
Thank you all so much for sharing Raylene and her beautiful gift of music with us............Peace and Comfort, Nancy Pearson, Chelton, PEI

To Raylene's loved ones, husband and son, She will be forever remembered. You are all in my prayers. I have been a fan of the Rankin Family since the beginning.
Her music will live forever.
Love to you all,
Patti Doyle-Bedwell

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We have been fans since we first heard the Family entertain at the Yacht Club in Baddeck, chaperoned by Mom & Dad Rankin in the mid 1970's? Raylene may be gone but she will never be forgotten by us.
You are all in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time,
Patsy & Clark Brander, Port Hawkesbury, N S



Patsy & Clark Brander

My deepest condolences to the whole family. We are all so lucky that we got to know her and the rest of you through music. Much love, Carol.

So sad to hear of your loss. I remember seeing the Rankins at the Salmon Festival in Grand Falls, NL - it was a great performance. She's so young - about my age. Heaven needs another angel.

Jeanne Clarke & Family, Paradise, NL

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your beautiful voices helped me through so many things and brought me so much joy. Raylene's beautiful music legacy will live on forever.
C. Ravenscroft
Ontario

Raylene left us too soon.You could see the love she had for her husband and son in her eyes.She was a great talent who brought so much joy to everyone that saw her perform . My thoughts and prayers are with her special family.

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Raylene.My wife and I loved her angelic voice and were fortunate enough to see The Rankin`s perform live.God Bless you Raylene.

I had the opportunity to hear and watch The Rankin Family preform and was thrilled by the music and sense of family. My thoughts and prayers go out to Raylene's husband and son at this time as they do to her borthers and sisters. Raylene may your song be heard soaring above the clouds.

Such a huge loss to her family and cape breton as a whole.
Cancer is a horrible disease and Raylene fought it with dignity.
Sing with the angels Raylene

Beautiful Lady and WONDERFUL voice

Raylene's smile and song will forever be remembered. Her spirit will live on in all whose lives she has touched. Cape Breton has lost one of its finest.
With deepest sympathy,
Council and Staff of the Municipality of theCounty of Inverness

I met Raylene back in the early 80's at X during a visit there, before I even knew she sang..like most along the western shore of Cape Breton , she had a quick wit, a contagious smile , and quite a sense of humor...and then the music...all the Rankins had a gift to reach down deep and seize the heart of every Cape Bretoner...I used to drive down route 19 to get home listening to one of their CD's and never wanting to leave the island again...I'm sure many of the Cape Breton diaspora across Canada felt the same...however , what I admired most about her was how she handled her priorities...family appeared to trump everything and my sympathies go out to those who lost a wife, a sister, and especially a mother ... thanks for sharing her gift with us and I know that you will find strength in her memory..God Bless

No words can describe your grive.... God bless you all at this difficult time..God will hold her in the palm of his hand....

Dear Genevieve,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

Farewell Thee Well, Raylene

There are never the right words to say to a family who has just lost a very beloved member. Raylene has brought so much love to each of you, to friends and to fans. Her crystal clear voice will long be remembered and cherished. Her rendition of "We Rise Again" will forever be one of my most favourite pieces of music.
May knowing that Raylene is now in the arms of God and will suffer no more pain be a wondrous comfort to each of you. May God be with each of you at this difficult time but leaving you with beautiful memories of Raylene to hold you fast.

Bernice Kennedy, Wilmot NS (Fan)

My thoughts are with The Rankin,and Anderson familys.Raylene was a great singer, and a nice lady.She will be missed. Schof

We are just strangers from Parrsboro, ..but visited Mabou and saw the Rankins when they were barely children playing beautiful music in a little hall in Mabou.Since then we have heard Raylene lift her voice many times and once in a Christmas concert at the Marigold center in Truro...a time when our spirits were lifted by the soaring notes that filled the room. Today with sadness we think of her life journey...a journey that brings her back to her birthplace, that rural village of Mabou. We think of you...her family and express our sadness at your loss. She gave so much to so many through her music.Our thoughts and prayers are with you..In sympathy. Brian Wheaton and Ruth Smith.

I am very saddened to hear of Raylene's passing. To read of her love for her son touched my heart deeply, that she took time to raise him. Her strong sense of community, open heart and open home is reflected in her voice and songs that will travel through time and never be lost*****. Rest in peace* with love Bonita

We were all BLESSED to have Raylene in our life's through her talent and her connection with her caring & personably delivery of the same. You will be missed by all who loved your gift of song. May you rest in peace, you will not be forgotten & let the harmony carry on with your spirit.
A FAN forever,
J Hartling - (Former Caper) Sherwood Park, Ab.

I extend my deepest sympathy to Raylene's husband Colin, son Alexander, and to all of her brothers and sisters and all of her family and friends. She was a very kind and special person and I could clearly see that, as I was viewing the lovely photo display on the website. Her rendition of "We Will Rise Again" is by far the most beautiful version of that song that I have ever heard. The words in the song are just lovely and Raylene's voice gave the song life. We will never forget Raylene as she will live on in her music, and in all the special memories we have of her. Certainly our loss is heaven's gain and I am sure she is soaring up there with the angels and singing her heart out. I never got to meet Raylene personally but did get to hear her sing on a number of occasions. I followed the career of Raylene and her brothers and sisters and very much enjoyed their singing and their music. They made me proud to be a Cape Bretoner. May God strengthen you all during this sad time in your lives but do know that she will live on in your memories of her and of course in her singing. I will never forget her. God bless you all!!!
Donna-Lee Tynski, Sydney NS

I grew up listening to the Rankins, and their music has influenced me both as a musician and a person. Despite being born and raised out west, their music gave me a sense of the East Coast as being 'home'. I've had the privilege of seeing the Rankins perform four times, but perhaps the most special memory I have is of Raylene stopping to sign an autograph for me at the Banff Springs Hotel when I was 8 years old. I still have it in a scrapbook. I remember her being so kind and sweet. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the extended Rankin Family, friends, and to the community of Mabou.

We in Woodstock New Brunswick are so sorry for your loss, the Ocean is bigger tonight with all the tears we cry for Raylene and her family , she was a beautiful lady, , we have friends here from Norway and they just love The Rankin Family CD I have been playing for them , our prayers are with her family , , sad in Woodstock, Brenda Sparkes

Thinking of you all at this difficult time. You performed for us in Sudbury ON so many times, sharing your gifts with us....and Raylene's voice will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.... Kim Fahner (Sudbury, ON)

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I am so sorry to hear about Raylene passing. I have been a fan since I first heard your music during our visit to Nova Scotia in 1994. I am so sad that such a beautiful person and voice will no longer bless us with song. She never knew me but many days her music has raised my spirits and made my days much brighter. Thank you Raylene.

My condolences to Raylene's family, the Rankin Family and friends. Raylene's voice will be truly missed. While I do not know Raylene or the Rankin Family, I feel, however, I have gotten a glimpse of her life and achievements including the Rankin Family musical background from this recent documentary, All the Diamonds: A documentary portrait of Raylene Rankin that was broadcasted on CBC Radio Hour 2 in June 2012. I learned from this interview about her family, the Rankin Family and how she had fought hard with her own battle with cancer over the years. From this interview I greatly admired her courage, her dignity, and down to earth personality who has truly demonstrated a strong will to give onto others and to live another day to be with her family and friends. I will always remember Raylene's beautiful voice along with the rest of the Rankin Family. Raylene's beautiful voice will be forever remembered and not be forgotten. My prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to everyone during this difficult time. I have lit a candle in her memory.

I have always loved the Rankin Family though I never heard them play live. "We Rise Again" touched my heart so when I first heard it and every time since and...what an awesome soprano voice and...how aptly that should be noted as her "signature song". Raylene always seemed to be such a grounded caring person and viewing her/your personal photos only confirmed that. My heartfelt sympathies to all of you on the loss of such a wonderful member of your family.
Sincerely,
Beverley Frauzel

The Rankin Family represent true Celtic heart and Nova Scotia culture, and a unique link to Newfoundland and Labrador. "Fare the Well" to Raylene is how we feel, with a piece of all gone ... yet peace for all. May God bless the family who blessed us all with music of the heart and soul.

"We rise again" I waltzed my babies late at night and the wee hours of the morning to the "North Country". Your music gave me inspiration to keep positive and actually, I loved the sleepless nights, and have lasting memories of how your music gave me strength. As I listen to my all time favorite album tonight, I share your loss, compare it to my own personal losses, being a relocated Caper and growing up hearing limited Gaelic, I find comfort in knowing that the people who make an impact on our lives, love us, teach us, inspire us, remember us, and we do, "Rise Again"
Cathy MacIntyre
Penobsquis, New Brunswick

Life will never be the same. Two of our Angels gone from one family. There are no words to say. Thank you for giving my family, your family of Angels. Thinking of all Raylene"s family. Very sorry for your loss.
With all my Love.
Angie Clark. .
Sorrento B.C, Canada
Hugs to you all.

Love from down the other end of the province (Yarmouth County) to the Rankin family. Though we cannot begin to enter into your pain, we still feel with and for you. The song "fare thee well love" comes so much to mind at this point in time for Raylene.

so sorry to here of raylene passing ,she will b missed ,for her love ,compassion for others and her great love for the music she so dearlly loved.may you rest in peace and the angels will be looking after you and john morris.

Although my wife and I never met Raylene, we listened to the music of the Rankin family, extensively over the years,and together with my Cape Breton roots, it all seemed natural to want to offer our condolences to the family, relatives, and friends.
Armand and Margarita Le Fort
Hornepayne, Ontario.

She had a genuine quality about her: when she spoke to you, she made you feel like at that time you were the most important thing going on at that moment. Though we mourn that we didn't have more time to spend with her, we cherish the moments and memories that we do have.

Hoping that this isn't inappropriate, and my apologies if it is, a few years ago I stumbled on a video clip on YouTube that someone had posted. It was her doing a solo number at the Red Shoe. I've played it many times, and at this time, it's how I like to remember her. The link is as follows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5xsq7Z1bjY

She left an enduring legacy. Her family, friends, and fans will carry a little piece of her whever we go. Thank you, and God bless.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will sing amongst the angels. I had the pleasure to hear the Rankins in Brantford, Ontario with my friend Margie and can remember the chills I got when Raylene sang. Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice. I lost my Mom in June to cancer. Hugs to all of you. Maureen Longland, Brantford, Ontario

We are so sorry for your loss. We share in it and grieve with you as proud Nova Scotians.I know through faith that Raylene is safe in the arms of our Lord and Savior free from pain and suffering.May your memories keep you and comfort you in the comming days.God Bless.

Patrick and Heather Stubbert and family, Dartmouth

Jimmy, Cookie and Heather: May I express my depest sympathy on the passing of your dear sister Raylene.

Richard Stevens Ottawa, ON (formerly of Glace Bay)

Whispers on the wind

I walk through fields of daisies now,
In afternoon's warm sun,
And shaded valleys mark my place
Of rest, when day is done.

O'er tallest mountain peaks, I soar
As eagle feathers on the wing,
While angels guide my passage,
On my journey home again.

Yet, I have not forgotten
Those of you who must remain,
You'll feel my touch upon your cheek,
As summer's gentle rain.

And too, in every season,
As each passing day begins,
I'll come to you
In whispers on the wind.

~ Richard Thomas Stevens ~

I never had the please to meet Raylene but she obviously was a strong willed person and with her family have give so much joy to others both local and world wide.
The two songs which bring back happy times as a child vacationing in CB are "Gillis Mountain" and the "Orangedale Whistle". I am so glad she was part of our lives.
I deeply regret the loss to her loving family and no words can replace a loved one but my sincere sympathy is extending to all her family.
Yours sincerely
Heather Perks

I will never forget seeing the Rankin's for the first time at the Baddeck High School many, many years ago- your music keeps me in touch with my Cape Breton roots. My deepest sympathies to the Rankin and Anderson families. Raylene will be truly missed.

The world has lost a musical pillar and a part of our souls as well. Raylene, you will live on eternally in our hearts. We offer our deepest sympathies to the Rankin family.

Deepest sympathy is followed by many, many,heavy hearts, as one of our own crosses over into the arms of the angels. Family be reassured, that her light will always shine on, and be within each and everyone of you every moment of every day... Blessings and Prayers...................

My condolences to Raylene's family and friends. Canada (and the world) has lost an amazing spirit and voice. Raylene, thank you for the gifts you gave us all.

My wife and I are so sorry for your loss.I remember seeing Raylene in concert when you guys played here in Ottawa. As for you all, it was obvious that music was life to her.The Rankin music has been uplifting to me for quite some time. Although most of us are not family members, we will sorely miss Raylene. As for my wife and I, our prayers are with you and your family.

So sorry for your loss...Raylene made the world a better place

With heartfelt condolences, we wish Raylene's family peace at this time of great sorrow. Raylene has graced our stage many times and she will be missed dearly by our team and our audiences. Our deepest and sincere sympathy - the Board and Staff of the Fredericton Playhouse.

I feel so sad that a beautiful life was cut short. It's not fair at all. Your music has permanently touched my heart. Fare The Well came out just after my Mum had passed away from breast cancer, so that song has always been very special. My sincere deepest sympathy to your Husband, Son & Family. You will live on through your family and through your music. R.I.P. Beautiful Raylene xx

Raylene sang at my aon's wedding. So sorry to hear of your family's loss. Eve Williams

Our deepeset sympathy to the Rankin & Anderson families. Our hearts are deeply sadened by Raylene's death. She will be dearly missed. May you find strength in knowing that others care. May The Good Lord continue to bless and guide each of you through this difficult time. Blessings