Robert Keith Rankin

1952 - 2017

Robert Keith Rankin was born in Eureka, CA, on June 2, 1952, and passed away in Ukiah, CA, on December 22, 2017, at age of 65. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Ann (Betty) in 2005, and keith in 2007. Robert is survived by his sister, Lynda Christensen (Ukiah), his brother Alan (Sacramento), one niece, Jeriann Gist, four nephews, Brian, Brandon, Jeffrey, and Corey Christensen and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Robert was a combination of passionate traits passed down from his parents (his love for reading and history from Keith, of music and dogged determination from Betty) and his own passions of curiosity and self management. Never married, his stubbornness at times was legendary within the family, yet his compassion and caring was unequaled. He loved his niece and nephews dearly. Knowing him has had a lasting and sweetly profound effect upon each of their lives. The space program of the early 1960's created a fascination of the stars and the galaxy that was always searching for more and never left him. Sports also took an early hold on Robert - the San Francisco Giants were truly his first love, and their first World Series win in 2010 brought out an emotional side, almost never shared. In his later years, International Soccer was his last great sports appreciation - we were certain a World Cup trip was in his future! His greatest joy within sports, more than the wins and losses, was seeing the games being played the right way (hitting the cutoff man, making the extra pass, the blocking schemes of the lineman) - many times it felt like he was watching a different game. After graduating from Ukiah High School in 1970, Robert went to Humboldt State in Arcata for 3 years. When uncertainty that his History major would lead to much in the real world, Robert moved near his family (who had by then relocated to the Bay Area), and after a few months, a temporary position at Raychem Corporation in Menlo Park became full time and led to a 30+ year career packed with personal fulfillment and proud accomplishments, After retirement, Robert returned to Ukiah. He enjoyed the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR - his organized trips for the family on a marathon weekend of shows was legendary, He enjoyed walking, biking and helping with the Ukiah Symphony Concerts. In addition, he was generous with his time and means to assist with needs of the community. Robert did things his own way, conventional wisdom be damned!! He was taken to soon, and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.