Major Wilfred D. “Bill” Rankin
1940-2018
With heavy hearts the family of Major Wilfred (Bill) Rankin
want to share that he passed away peacefully with his Family at his
side at the Moncton Hospital on Friday March 2, 2018.
Born on February 1, 1940 in Peterborough, Ontario he was the
son of the late Wilfred and Francis Rankin.
Bill was a loving, devoted husband to Marilyn (Embree).
Devoted father to Tanya, Tara, David and father in law to Eric.
Grampie to Justin (Nathalie), and Big Grampie to Alex and Chase all of
Moncton. He will leave a huge void in their lives.
Bill also leaves his brother Dave (Helen), sisters, Mary and
Lil, nephews, Tim (Nicky), Dillon, niece Tammy and cousins, Charney,
Sheila and Eddy all of Peterborough.
He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Jim and
Ted.
Proudly, with a note from his Parents Bill joined the RCASC
as an Apprentice in 1956. His Military career took him from
Peterborough to Borden, Vancouver, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Germany,
Calgary, and Moncton. He did Peacekeeping missions to Egypt and
Cyprus. It was an exciting and satisfying time for him when he did a
Tour to Virginia, USA as a Logistics Instructor. His last posting was
to Ottawa where they lived in Russell, Ontario. After retirement in
1995 Bill devoted himself to his Town. He was an active member of both
the Russell Legion and the Russell Lions Club and headed the fund
raising for the expanded building which became the home of the Lions
Club and Legion in Russell where he enjoyed playing pool and shuffle
board. He was also the go to guy in Russell for income tax returns. He
was always willing to help his neighbors with anything they needed
help with. His carpentry skills weren’t the best, but he was
willing to give it a try. His hobbies were golf, golf and if he could
find time an extra golf game. He also tried his hand at gardening. He
loved to play in his flower beds and would wait and see how it worked
out later. He had an annual passion to go hunting with his Buddies. He
would return unshaven, empty handed and announce another successful
hunt.
Spring 2012 the time came to move back to Moncton to be close
to his children and grandchildren. The move gave him new hobbies; he
found great pleasure and enjoyment to sit out on his front deck with
his morning coffee and paper and the occasional chat with a walking
neighbor. Evenings was the time to go for a walk and check things out
around the neighborhood.
Bill only had one fear, family pets. If met by one he would
quietly suggest they “back off “and this is how they shared
their love for each other.
His greatest passion was his family and family get togethers.
The more the merrier for him. He loved to host large family dinners;
everyone had a seat at the table. His dinner table was his art, forks
on the left, knives on the right and cloth, not paper serviettes
folded a certain way. He enjoyed family trips south. Always ready to
go explore and try anything. He would always be ready and usually the
first one in the car.
A special heart felt thank you to all the staff who provided
special care during Bills stay at The Moncton Residence. Special
thanks to Dr. Brennan, Dr. Breau and all the nursing staff on the 3400
and 4200 at the Moncton Hospital.
Honoring Bill’s wishes there will be no visitation
or funeral service.
Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton
(858-1995) in care of arrangements.
In memory of Bill, contributions to the Canadian
Cancer Society or charity of donor’s choice would be
appreciated. Online condolences for the family can be made at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Major Wilfred D Bill Rankin 19402018.source
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick