PICTOU – Alexander Allan Patrick “Mookie” Rankin, 66, of Pictou, Nova Scotia, passed away December 26, 2014 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in Inverness, Cape Breton on March 17th, 1948, he was a son of the late Angus and Florence (MacIsaac) Rankin and maternal son of the late Catherine Sarah (MacIsaac) Rankin, Mabou, Cape Breton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Shirley (Wooldridge) Rankin, ever by his side, devoted and caring. They were the proud parents of their only son, Alexander “Sandy” Rankin, their pride and joy, inheriting his father’s image, strength and character, truly a very loving and devoted son who shared a very unique and special relationship with his Dad. That special bond will live on. Alex is also survived by sisters:, Sinda (Fred) Dobson, Pictou; Mary (Dan) Stevens, Pictou; Catherine (Ronnie) Trenholm, Port Hood; Marcella (Garry) Watts, Port Hood; Geraldine (Sammy) Cameron, Judique; Janie Rankin, St. Peters; Sarah Ann Thomas, Judique; brothers: Roddie Murray, Pictou; John (Lorraine) Rankin, Onaping, Ontario; Alexander Rankin, Penetanguishene, Ontario; Norman Rankin, Judique; and many loving nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews as well.
Alex was predeceased by sisters Catherine Purdy and Christina Deveaux.
Alex served in the 1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders “E” COY, Pictou. During this time he travelled to Germany and surrounding areas on this special tour. Alex’s love for the sea began as a young child and followed him throughout his life. He fished off Caribou Island as a young man; he mined in New Brunswick, worked as a Bosun on Northumberland Ferries and most recently worked on numerous Canadian Coast Guard Ships where he travelled extensively. Alex was an avid reader, loved to fish and most of all spend quality time with his family. His strength and courage were admirable. He will be loved and missed forever.
Visitation was held Monday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. (today) Tuesday from Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou, with Father Tom MacNeil officiating. Burial will be in Seaview Cemetery. Reception will follow in Stella Maris Parish Hall.
Donations in Alex’s memory may be made to the Intensive Care Unit, Aberdeen Hospital New Glasgow, or the Canadian Lung Association.
I have peacefully furled my sail;
In moorings sheltered from storm and gale.