Obituary of Robert Conway Rankin

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour.” - Charles Dickens

 

Bob passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital on June 5, 2017, in his 90th year.

Bob was born in Hamilton, Ontario, son of Clara Frances (nee Kerr) and Robert Pettigrew Rankin. He attended Central Collegiate where he met Joyce (Jenkinson). Following his marriage to Joyce in 1949, and graduation from George Williams College in Chicago, he joined the staff of the YMCA in Sarnia, Ontario. Bob and Joyce subsequently moved back to Hamilton where Bob began his career in the insurance industry. This career brought the family to Waterloo in 1961.

Bob’s life always seemed ‘action-packed’ … family vacations, music, entertaining at the Oliphant cottage, tennis, New Year’s Eve parties, playing poker, cribbage and bridge, telling stories, associations with friends and with clients who became friends, filled his years.

Bob was a wonderful and dedicated husband to Joyce for over 67 years. He took his role as father to Marg (Steve) Shaver, Diane (Don) Weber and Dave (Jane Ruttle, Drew and Brandon) seriously. He loved being a fun-loving grandfather to Chad (Jen) Shaver, Todd (Katie) Shaver, Jordan (Elana) Weber, Sarah (Garrett) Walters and Marika (Corey Fox) Weber and taking each on a memorable trip to Las Vegas when they reached 21 years old. He was thrilled to have 3 great-grandchildren, Abby and Noah Shaver and Nathan Weber.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Joyce (Dec. 2016), his brother-in-law Raymond Jenkinson and Ray’s wife Mabel (nee McVittie). He is survived by his niece Linda (Bob) Wercholoz and her family.

Bob’s truly positive thinking and his ability to find humour in any situation will be very fondly remembered by all who had the privilege and pleasure of spending time with him. He will be greatly missed.

If desired, donations in Bob’s memory to The Oliphant Campers’ Assn.  (P.O. Box 8, Wiarton, Ontario N0H 2T0) or First United Church (16 William St. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 1J3) would be welcomed and appreciated by Bob’s family. Memorial donations and condolences for the family may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

A private family service of remembrance and celebration of Bob’s life will be held.

 

“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all …” - Laura Ingalls Wilder