Michael Joseph Rankin

With great sadness we announce the death of Michael Joseph Rankin, age 76. He passed away peacefully at QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Born on April 14, 1950, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Peter and Patricia (Donovan) Rankin.

Mike grew up in the famous east end of town, one of nine siblings. They and all the neighborhood kids made their own fun and games without the aid of toys or technology, or much supervision. As adults, Mike and his siblings never tired of reminiscing about the adventures they had as children. Mike’s special talent was the construction of so-called “cabins” in the wooded and wild areas nearby. He furnished these hideouts with any junk (otherwise known as treasures), found around the neighborhood, or things secreted out of the house! Here he would gather us younger kids and play at being a teacher, complete with lectures and field trips (to gather more treasures), or host imaginary tea parties. We all found him very entertaining! He graduated from Antigonish High School in 1968.

Mike eventually moved to Halifax and in 1975 graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology. He immediately went to work at the Dartmouth Children’s Training Centre, and in 1977 he moved to the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax. Mike was a Child Mental Health Care Worker with the Dept. of Psychiatry, Inpatients, and he had a gift for working with young people. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career advocating for children, respected by his colleagues and the families that he helped. A bonus highlight of his years at the IWK was meeting Pope John Paul II when he came to Halifax and visited the hospital in 1984. Of course, another highlight was meeting his wife Anne, a Family Therapist, to whom he remained devoted for the rest of his life. In 2007 Mike retired from work.

Mike loved travelling and visiting family all over the country, in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. He and Anne did an exciting tour of Europe together, fulfilling a dream for both of them. Summer cottage rentals each year in PEI were paradise. Mike liked to read, I mean really, he could devour a book faster than any one of us avid readers in the family! He loved getting together to do dinner and a movie, or attending the theatre. He especially loved having folks around. His family and friends remember many backyard BBQ’s, lobster boils, birthday parties and Christmas Eve gatherings, memories of love and laughter that will stay with us always. Sometimes his home was like a lively Irish pub, with his brother Larry’s band putting on a show, and Mike and his sister Sharon inspired to get up and dance. Mike also loved his West End community, where he and Anne lived for almost 40 years. It is a place where neighbors look out for each other, and they never considered moving. He had good friends there that meant a lot to him. He spoke often of them, especially Fred and his late wife Judy, Heather, and his pal Glen. He loved dogs, and missed his pets Gus and Maggie. For his easy way with young people, Mike enjoyed “favorite uncle” status. He was generous with time for his nieces and nephews, including trips to the movies, the comic store, the mall, or a bite to eat at “pizza corner.” And everyone knows there was always a special place in his heart for his nephews Jaxom and Denver. Later when this gang grew up, he often joined them at their favorite pub for a cold one and some laughs. Mike always had the energy for a few good turns of the dance floor as well!

A kind, caring, and fun-loving man, Mike meant everything to his family. A best friend always up for fun, an open heart and listening ear, with advice and love at the ready. A soft place to land when you needed help, or a place to stay. Whatever you asked, he gave, with love. His warmth and generosity made him friends among everyone he met. In the past decade Mike faced some significant hardships. The loss of two beloved sisters and a nephew, multiple battles with cancer, and caring for Anne after illness. He met these challenges with courage and determination, always hopeful, finding strength in family and his faith in God. Mike had a gentle, thoughtful approach to life, he never had great ambition or sought great wealth. He valued family, love, friendship, fun, laughter, and helping people. He knew what was important for a happy life. And as a brother, he was just perfect. His absence will be felt everyday.

Mike is survived by his wife, Anne Sexton; by his siblings, Theresa Hare, John (Mary Florence) Rankin, Margie (Barry) Wiszniowski, Catherine (Denys) Prevost, Larry (Fiona MacKinnon) Rankin, Kim (Pat) Mason; his sister-in-law Allison Rankin; and 14 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and infant brother John Neil, sisters Sharon Rankin and Maureen Rankin, brother-in-law Darrel Hare, and his nephew Jaxom Mason.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will take place at 12:15pm on Friday, August 21, at St. Benedict Parish, 49 Radcliffe Dr., Halifax, NS. Reception to follow at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Memorial donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.