Rankin John Chalmers

      Rankin John Chalmers was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Rankin will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       He was the son of Bill and Beatrice Chalmers. Rankin grew up in Staffa, Ontario.

      Rankin was raised with seven siblings. Sisters Betty and Dorothy; Brothers Bill, Jerry, Jack, Ken and Bill. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      Always considered an amazing friend to those he knew, Rankin enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with The Daubs, and Mac Coutts.

      On March 6, 1948 Rankin exchanged wedding vows with Nancy Keupfer at Knox Presbyterian Church of Stratford, Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Rankin was committed to making his new family happy.

      Rankin worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Rankin was blessed with three children, two daughters, Laurie and Maxine and one son, Doug. Another blessing for Rankin was the gift of five grandchildren, Robert, Matthew, Nicole, Ashley, Joseph and two great grandchildren Madison and Curtis.

       Rankin enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Rankin worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was at Hostess. He was employed for 25 years at Hostess. Rankin always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Rankin was an Army veteran and Prisoner of War. He was in Europe, Germany, Italy, France and Holland. Rankin was in World War Two and was also a Prisoner of War. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Private. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Rankin enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were being with his family, and going to the mall. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Rankin found pleasure in sports. Although he didn't participate in any sports he had a strong fondness of watching and talking about hockey.

      Throughout his life, Rankin was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Rankin was an active member of the Cambridge Legion - Branch 126.

      Rankin’s faith was important to him. He was a member at both Central Church and Knox Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Ontario.

      Rankin enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Port Elgin and Sauble Beach.

      Rankin was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Bridgette, a dog. They were best friends for 12 years. Before Bridgette, there was also Heidi - a wiener dog - they had for 12 years.

      When Rankin’s retirement finally arrived in 1987 - when he was 65 years old, he was well prepared. He stayed in Cambridge, Ontario with his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in taking bus trips with his daughter Laurie and wife Nancy, and found a new love in spending as much time as possible in malls. Even in retirement, Rankin continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Rankin was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Rankin passed away on June 24, 2013 at Hilltop Manor Nursing Home. Ranking fought a brave and long battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children Maxine, Laurie and Doug; sister Betty; grandchildren Robert, Matthew, Nicole, Ashley and Joseph; Great Grandchildren Madison and Curtis. Services were held at Knox Church. Rankin was laid to rest in Parklawn Cemetery in Cambridge, Ontario.

      Simply stated, Rankin was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Rankin leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Rankin John Chalmers.

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(October 9, 1922 – June 24, 2013)

It is with profound sadness the family announces the peaceful passing at Hilltop Manor Cambridge on Monday June 24, 2013 surrounded by his family at age 90.

Beloved husband of Nancy Chalmers (nee Kuepfer).

Loving “Dad” to Maxine of Cambridge, Doug (Betty) of London, Ontario and Laurie of Cambridge.

Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Rob, Matthew, Nicole, Ashley and Joseph and Great-grandchildren Madison and Curtis.

Predeceased by his parents Bill and Beatrice Chalmers, brothers Jerry, Jack, Ken, Bill, sister Dorothy and by grandchild Adam.

Also survived by sister Betty of Stratford.

Rankin and Nancy were married March 6, 1948 and had 65 wonderful years together.

Rankin retired from Hostess and was a WW l l Veteran and Prisoner of War and long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #126 ( Preston ).

Adored, admired and absolutely cherished by his family.

The family will receive friends at the Barthel Funeral Home, 566 Queenston Road, Cambridge, Ontario N3H 3J8 (519)-653-3251 on Friday June 28, 2013 from 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm. Funeral service at Knox Galt Presbyterian Church, 2 Grand Avenue, South, Cambridge on Saturday June 29, 2013 at 11 am. Interment Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or C.N.I.B would be appreciated by the family.