Robert G. Rankin (1932-2021)
The Rankin family mourns the loss of Robert (Bob) who passed away peacefully in his 89th year at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London, ON. He was the son of the late Bert and Georgina Rankin and a well-known former London car dealer. The Rankin family had three Ford of Canada dealerships operated by Bob, his brother Ken and father Bert in London, St. Thomas and Aylmer, ON. Bob was a true salesman, who loved the dealership and creating innovative advertising campaigns, bringing in celebrities and even getting his kids involved in the commercials! Bob was the president of the London Liberal Association from 1969 to 1972 and was active as an organizer for the Federal and Provincial Liberal Party. He was a Southwestern Ontario fundraiser for the late Right Honourable Pierre E. Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada (Red Carnation Fund). For close to a decade, Bob was also a director of the Federal Business Development Bank of Canada.
Bob and his family lived in London, England from 1973-1974 where he was associated with the London Metal Exchange and Rudolph Wolff and Co. An avid horseman, he raced thoroughbred horses against Queen Elizabeth II and much to his dismay the Queen would always win! He was a member of the London Hunt and Country Club and the London Club and also a member of the Board of Stewards and Board of Management of Metropolitan United Church in London, ON. Bob loved his London community and could be seen most Saturdays supporting the Western Mustangs football team. Bob was a family man who spent many summers at the cottage on Lake Muskoka where he would entertain many friends with boat rides and cocktails on the ‘Point’. Most winters were spent in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL, where he would enjoy many days going to the Spring training grounds of his favourite major league baseball teams. He loved to travel extensively, often taking his children skiing in Europe, and as a passionate amateur WWII historian, Bob took great pleasure in escorting many of his children and grandchildren on numerous trips to Normandy to retrace the steps his father Bert took on D-Day at Juno Beach.
Robert is pre-deceased by sons Randy (1973) and Rob (1991)
Robert is survived by his loving wife Barbara Rankin (nee Siegel), children Elizabeth Rankin, Richard Rankin (Ellen), Becky Rankin King, Amanda Lampard (Scott), and Aimee Oabel (Paul). Daughter-in-law Erin Rankin-Nash (David). He was “Papa” to his many grandchildren and will be missed by: Will, Stefanie, Haley, Mary, Robbie, Andrew, Ali, Christy, Ashley, Katherine, Caroline, Matthew, Benjamin and Madeleine as well as his great grandchildren, Xavier, Adele and Finnegan.
A private funeral service will be conducted at Harris Funeral Home by Rev. Dr. Jeff Crittenden. Interment Woodland Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 a celebration of Bob’s life will take place at a later date when his large family can assemble. Donations in Robert’s honour can be made to: The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London & Area (519-438-7065, https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca), 415 Wharncliffe Rd. South, London, ON, N6J 2M3