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Peter RANKIN Obituary

RANKIN, Peter Watson (Age 66) Peter Watson Rankin, age 66, of Missoula, Montana passed away from cancer on April 25, 2020. He is survived by his father, Dr. Clifford H. Rankin, step-mother Carol Phillips Rankin of Spokane, WA; sisters Barbara Shaub, of Snohomish, WA, Diane (Dean) Sonnenberg of Spokane WA; nieces Marci (Keane) Sweet of Woodinville WA, McCall Shaub of Snohomish WA; nephews Kiel (Christina) Shaub, Rane (Liza) Shaub all of Seattle WA. Preceded in death by his mother, Helen J. Rankin and nephew Benjamin R. Sonnenberg. Graduate of Joel E. Ferris High School in 1972, University of Washington in 1976, and received his Master's in Geology from the University of Montana in 1982. Peter loved the natural world and spending time pontificating the bigger (or often small!) questions in life. Whether it be over many cups of morning coffee, or during vespers with his evening Scotch, he loved to think, laugh, and share conversation with those he loved. Over the years, his loyal dogs were always by his side: Cedar, Ada, Zack, and Auz, who lovingly followed him wherever the wind blew. Peter divided his time between Missoula, Ennis, Priest Lake, and Spokane, all places that were special to him for both the beauty they held and the people that he loved, as he had no shortage of friends from all walks of life. He was second-to-none when it came to telling stories and could make us all double over in laughter, forgetting our daily woes. We will miss his warm smile, passionate conversation, and kind-hearted soul. We would like to thank John and Karen Wallingford, David Godlewski, and Kindred Hospice during his time of need. Donations in his name can be made to a charity of your choice. There will be no services at this time, however a Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from May 3 to May 6, 2020.

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3 Entries

Rick Nelson

August 25, 2020

I just learned of Peter’s passing. He was a Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brother of mine at the University of Washington. Long before that, along with his sisters Diane and Barbie, we were early childhood friends. Dr Rankin was our family dentist. I do remember Peter for his love of humor. He laughed easily, a trait I admire. Although I hadn’t seen him since college, I often wondered how his life had turned out. Reading his obituary has given me comfort in that he appeared to have lived a satisfying and fulfilling one. He will remain in my thoughts.

Jim Barney Parrisg

May 25, 2020

Peter and I were roommates at the UW for spring quarter 1974. He introduced me to Orville Redenbachers Gourmet Popcorn and to this day I still find popcorn irresistible. We would pop the corn in our room, and Peter would stuff an old towel under the door to try to prevent the popcorn fragrances from wafting out and attracting our fraternity brothers appetites. I must say this wasnt a foolproof plan, it worked only sometimes.
Peter received a bright red down jacket or vest from his Dad that quarter. I was stunned when Peter told me that his Dad made it. I didnt know any Dad that sewed, so I was mighty impressed to discover that men could sew!
One weekend that spring, Watsons Datsun and Peter took my girlfriend and me to Stevens pass and Peter spent the day in a snowfield teaching us about crampons, ice axes, and self arrest when roped up. Im not sure Peter ever knew that we used that knowledge when we climbed Mt. Rainier in 1975, as I transferred from the UW to WSU.
Peter also took the time one day to take us to Expo 74 that summer. We met at his boyhood home and for some reason I still remember the address. S. 5407 Perry.
Peter and I may have lost touch, but I wont forget all the fun that was had that spring quarter in Seattle. Peter was a gem of a friend.

Bill Sahlberg

May 3, 2020

I grew up with Peter & Diane in many classes at school together and had paper routes too. Pete had class and I was trouble but Pete was always kind of heart. Godspeed on your Journey Pete, praying for your family & the grieving they must share.

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