James "Bruce" Rankin

1929 - 2017

James "Bruce" Rankin

March 18, 1929 - January 28, 2017

After a full, fun loving and vibrant life, Bruce Rankin passed away peacefully on January 28, 2017. Bruce was a hardworking, loving, honest, gentle man with a spark of creativity and unexpected humor that could change perspectives and infectiously lighten a room. He was a loving father, grandfather, husband and friend. To many in Salem, he was their Veterinarian who compassionately cared for their animals. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bruce was the first child born to "Doc" and Leona Rankin in Astoria Oregon on March 18,1929. He spent much of his childhood in Clatskanie, Oregon. The family later moved to Salem where he attended Salem High and was active in band, playing the tenor saxophone. Bruce was a good student and a hard worker throughout his life; earning money with a paper route, working at his dad's veterinary hospital, and playing in a jazz band around town. He went on to college receiving his undergraduate degree from Colorado State, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State.

While attending Salem High, it was through the fence at Olinger Pool that Bruce first spied Sue McElhinny. They married June 20, 1953 just after Sue graduated from Willamette University. Sue helped put him through Vet School by teaching. She was the love of his life, his best friend and partner for 63 years.

After his graduation in 1955, Sue and Bruce moved to Delaware where Bruce served as a Captain and Base Veterinarian in the US Air force and Sue continued to teach. In 1957 Sue and Bruce moved back to Salem to raise their family. Bruce started out by working as a veterinarian with his Dad in north Salem until 1960 when he and Sue built a veterinary practice of their own on the south side of town. Together they raised three girls Katy, Julie and Nancy along with numerous animals. Family was important and being together was his greatest joy.

Living life to its fullest, Bruce and Sue enjoyed the rare gift of a great group of friends that they loved and with whom they regularly socialized, danced, attended themed parties, dinners, lunch, camped and traveled the world with for over 60 years.

Bruce was also active throughout his career in the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and (AVMA), attending meetings, serving on the examination board and providing mentorship to new up and coming veterinarians. Into retirement, Sue and Bruce continued their travels, spending time with lifelong friends, enjoying family and their Metolius river cabin.

Bruce was preceded in death by his loving wife Sue in April 2016. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law's Nancy Coltom & Bill Pritchard, Julie and Jim Clark, Katy and Jim Vigeland and five grandchildren, Kelsi, Matthew, Madison, Haley and Erik.

We wish to thank Dr. Olwyn Davies for his amazing care and lifelong friendship; Dr. Prins and Dr. Pierce for their expertise, guidance and kind care; The Salem Hospital Infusion team for their loving care and friendship; Willamette Valley Hospice for their support; Capital Manor Staff and Ariel with First Call for loving our dad, enhancing his life and being there when he needed you most. He felt you were all like family.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Illahe Hills Country Club, 3376 Country Club Drive S., Salem, OR 97302. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Willamette Humane Society or other animal charity you support. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.