Joseph "Art" Arthur Rankie

Joseph Arthur (Art) Rankie beloved husband of 67 years to Mary (nee Herridge) passed away peacefully in his 94th year at Hospice Niagara on Thursday March 27, 2025 after a 2 year battle with esophageal cancer.

Art is lovingly remembered by his son Mark (Barbara), daughter Carol Anne (Peter), grandchildren John and James Hummel, Danielle Bowman (Greg) and Celine Wilcox (Jake). He was also the proud great-grandfather to newborn great-grandsons Arthur Bowman and Ronan Wilcox who were both born 2 weeks before his passing.

Born the oldest in a family of 5 in Winnipeg Manitoba, Art was predeceased by his parents John and Verna (Netzel) Rankie and brothers David and Ronald. He leaves behind sister-in-law Rosalie Thomas and many, many nieces and nephews.

Art and Mary met in St. Catharines where they married and raised their family. Art worked at General Motors for 42 years retiring in 1991 as an Industrial Engineer, a position of which he was very proud.

Art loved the outdoors, especially his annual hunting/fishing trips with his buddies to Mine Centre, working diligently in his gardens on Farris Avenue and his many summer trips to Mary's home in Harbour-le-Cou Nfld. Although Art was born in Manitoba and raised in Ontario, at heart he was a Newfoundlander.

Art was a dedicated Anglican holding various positions in the Anglican Church through the years and up until his illness, was a member of the St. George's Counting Team and the Brotherhood of the Anglican Church (BAC). He was also a long standing member of the St. Catharines Cribbage League where after 70+ years, played his last game at the age of 92!

Art also loved his sports! Whether it was coaching baseball or cheering for the Leafs and "his boy Marner”, nothing gave him more pleasure than watching his children and grandchildren participate in their chosen sports! You could always find him in a cold arena, on a baseball diamond or soccer field screaming and cheering them on.

Art lived a long and wonderful life and loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren! Family always came first and nothing made him happier then spending time with them.

The family extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to his exceptional palliative care team, especially nurse Sharlene, all the PSW's and all the staff at Hospice Niagara and Heatherwood Retirement Home for their gentle and compassionate care.

According to Art's wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday April 9, 2025 from 10 - 11 am at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church St. St. Catharines. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., light lunch to follow. Private interment to take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hulse and English Funeral Home and Chapel.

If desired, memorial donations in Art's memory can be made to Hospice Niagara or Autism Canada.