Obituary of Allan Rankin

RANKIN, Allan Murray. Of Carroll's Corner, passed away, at the age of 81 on Sunday, November 2, 2014, in the Palliative Care Unit of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, surrounded by family. The youngest child of the late William Murray and Annie Margaret (Annand) Rankin, he was born on October 10, 1933, and grew up on the family farm in Carroll's Corner. In his early years, Allan worked with Latimer and Acadia Construction. In 1958, while boarding at her parents' home, he met and married Elizabeth Jean (Bailey) of The Falls. They moved onto the Rankin family farm, which they operated for several years, while Allan worked with the provincial Department of Transportation, retiring as a foreman in 1989 after 25 years of service. Allan was happiest when outdoors or in the woods, spending tireless hours working and walking on the woodland and property that he so proudly owned, often with David or his grandsons. His long and perfectly stacked woodpiles, all cut and split by hand, were a sight to be seen. His strong work ethic and love of the outdoors are instilled in his children and grandchildren. Over the years, Allan enjoyed travelling, camping, hunting, gardening, card parties, church suppers, his Blue Jays and Maples Leafs and family meals. He was a member and former Elder of Gay's River United Church. Allan was a devoted husband, wonderful father and father-in-law, dearly loved Grampie, and adored brother, with a quiet unassuming nature about him, a keen sense of humour, a heart of gold and an ever available helping hand. Allan will be dearly missed and loved always by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth; daughter Carolyn Ann (Kelly) Terry, Bible Hill; son David Allan (Merridy) Rankin, Carroll's Corner; his adored grandsons of whom he was so proud - Matthew Rankin, Wapella, SK; Nathan Rankin, Carroll's Corner; and Ryan Terry, Bible Hill. He will also be truly missed by his sister, Freda Dunn, Waterloo, ON; sisters-in-law Katherine Ross, Brule, and Helen (Mike) George, Poplar Hill; several nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends. Besides his parents, Allan was predeceased by his sister Helen and her husband Ken Betts; brothers-in-law Ralph Dunn and Gordon Ross; and infant grand-daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Terry. Our family extends special thanks to the CEHHC Palliative Care Unit's Dr. David Henderson and Dr. Courtney Smith, PC nurses John Gatto and Dawn Martell, and the rest of the Palliative Care team; as well as the CEH Hospice Society, for their special care of Allan and comfort to us. At Allan's request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 from 7-9pm, at Ettinger's Funeral Home, Shubenacadie. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 6, at 2pm, at Gay's River United Church, Gay's River, with Lori Crocker DM officiating; interment to take place in the church cemetery; reception to follow. If desired, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Col East Hants Health Centre, Gays River United Church, or a charity of your choice. Condolences and words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.