November 20, 1933 – October 6, 2022.
Alexander Francis Xavier "FX" Rankin, 88, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022 with family by his side in Inverary Manor, Inverness. Born in Mabou, he was the eldest son to the late Finlay and Margaret (Beaton) Rankin. He sadly lost his brother AJ, and his mom at the age of 8 and his father when he was 11. FX was always thankful for his upbringing on the Campbell farm on Mabou Ridge. He was also so appreciative for the guidance and love shown to him by his “second parents” Uncle Angus “Central” and Aunt Sally Beaton and their children whom he considered his siblings as well as his Uncle Johnny and Aunt Sally Rankin and family.
FX was the Manager of the Mabou Credit Union for 35 years. He had great respect for how local credit unions and co-ops helped many families throughout the Mabou and surrounding areas. Always the professional, often asking on the phone in that era, “are you on a party line,” FX took his job very seriously and respected those with whom he worked and most importantly, the community of Mabou. Mabou is where his heart has always been. He was a devout Catholic enjoying mass at St Mary’s Parish or listening to “Scottish Strings” on the way to mass in Glencoe. He volunteered with the Mabou & District Volunteer Fire Department and Mabou Ceilidh and enjoyed Scottish music, hockey games, working in the woods as well as everything horses. He took great pride in his son’s Mabou Ridge horses and always looked forward to Sunday harness racing in Inverness.
The most important thing in his life was his wife and family. FX is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Catherine (MacDonald); children, John Francis (Donna), Arnold (Marlene), Lawrence, Marie (Fraser), Andrea (Billy) and Brenda; grandchildren, Hilary (Marcus), Craig (Katherine), Calley (BJ), Victoria, Ella, Kenneth, Huntley, Seamus, John, Siobhan, Grace, Angus; great-grandchildren, Emerson, Brylee, Kameryn, Finlay and Gracie, several nieces and nephews as well as Angus and Sally “Central’s” family. He was predeceased by his parents, Finlay and Margaret; brother, AJ; sisters, Marcy, Anita and Sandra, Angus and Sally Beaton; cousins, Pat and Kevin Beaton. He was very fortunate to have stayed at home for many years during his illnesses and the family would like to extend their sincere thanks to his wonderful neighbors, all the home care workers, to Sarah, Nellie, Sylvia, Margie and Josephine who were always so kind to him and went out of their way to help the family. Thank you to Mary Margaret and Dr. Egar, who provided exceptional care and attention to him, to the staff at the Inverary Manor for their kindness and compassionate care and finally to the residents of Sea Breeze who were always a joy for him to be around.
Visitation will take place on Monday, October 10, 2022 in St. Mary's Church, Mabou from 2-4 and 7- 9 pm. Funeral Mass to be held in St. Mary's Church on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 11:00 am with Father Dan MacDonald officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation - www.icmhfoundation.com or to the St. Mary’s Parish Building Fund (painting and repairs to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Mabou).
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
