Obituary of Douglas Allan RANKIN

December 24, 1920 – October 3, 2011 Douglas Allan Rankin beloved husband of Anna Rankin of Calgary, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, at the Rockyview Hospital on October 3, 2011 at the age of 90 years. Doug Rankin was born December 24, 1920 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to A. Bryson Rankin and Anna H. (Legate) Rankin. He was the youngest of four children. He had a life long love of automobiles, enjoyed driving, proudly telling us he began steering (with his brother’s help) at age six. That made an eighty-four year stretch behind the wheel. Doug left university part way through an engineering degree to serve in the Saskatoon Light Infantry in the Canadian Army during WWII. He spent two years on the front lines in Italy as the officer in charge of a mortar platoon from Sicily through Ortona and Monte Cassino. Later he was transferred to Holland and Germany. After the war, he attended university in Saskatoon, studying Commerce. Doug married Anna McLeod on August 28, 1947 and they soon moved to Toronto. In 1951, with a young family to support, Doug re-enlisted, this time choosing the Pay Corps. He served as paymaster on bases in Rivers, Manitoba, Winnipeg, and Regina before retiring as Base Comptroller at CFB Calgary in 1968. Doug went on to work for Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise Tax Refund Dept, where he enjoyed giving money back. He retired again in 1981 to enjoy travel and family life. During his working career, many winter vacations were spent driving to Florida or Arizona. After retirement, Doug and Anna loved to spend winter months in Sun City, Arizona. They also enjoyed four extended winter trips to Australia. Doug was known for his keen sense of humour and his talent for innovative home and auto repair. If something was broken, Dad could fix it. His family was always central to Doug’s being. He loved being involved in family gatherings and activities and took pride in everyone’s accomplishments. He also enjoyed telling his many fascinating stories and his advice was wise and supportive. Besides his loving wife Anna, Doug is survived by son Glen Rankin (Donna Lee Bowles) of Calgary and daughter Donna (Brian) Rottenfusser of Calgary; sister Freda Randall of Regina and grandchildren David and Michael Rottenfusser of Calgary. Doug was predeceased by his brother Glen Rankin; sister Margaret Hooper; daughter Lynne Rankin; and granddaughters Karen Rottenfusser and Diane Rottenfusser. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca. In living memory of Doug Rankin, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.