When my family first arrived in Canada in 1967, Rena was one of the few people in Canada that my parents and grandmother knew. She was there to greet us, and helped us get settled.

Over the years Rena often visited our family home, and I remember that she always made sure to ask how myself and my sister, Lorna, were fairing at school and with our various interests. She was wonderful in her encouragement.

Later on Russ was included in our social events, and I thought he and Rena were a lovely couple. I know she also loved living in White Rock with her pets.

I will miss Rena's sense of humour, her empathy, and her friendship that lasted over so many years.

Greg Taylor
Vancouver

I first met Rena in the early l960's when she was working in Haney (Maple Ridge, BC) as a Public Health Nurse.  Not only did we work at the same place, but she became a great friend.  However, as time went on she moved to New Westminster to continue working in her profession.  And I moved to Vancouver, but we still keep our friendship.  We use to meet for dinners which always included delicious desserts and we shared our love of chocolate.  I was always thankful to her for introducing me to classical music.  We went to many operas, symphonies and other concerts, etc.   We also played golf, even if both of us really were not good players, don't recall if we even kept score, but we had fun and many laughs.  We also did a few trips to the States which was always full of fun and lots of laughter.  When I got married and had my children, we sort of lost touch with each other, by this time she was living in White Rock and busy commuting to work.  When we finally got in touch with each other again, it became a contact by telephone and we phoned each other often.  She would tell me about her home, her garden, her pets and what she and Russ shared with trips, etc.  She truly loved her home in White Rock and I did visit her there where she had a large garden and of course a lavender bush.  She also always spoke kindly for her neighbours and how helpful they were to her.  Also about her relations in Scotland which were very dear to her.  We kept in touch by phone often even after she was at Peace Portal Lodge.  Rena seemed to have a great capacity to connect with people even in her later years.  We would chat and she would always ask me how was I doing and was joyful with laughter or solemn whatever the situation was.  I certainly will miss her, however, she is probably happily walking with Russ along paths with trees, wild flowers, lavender bushes and Cheeky and Shadow along with them.

I did not know Rena until the later stage of her life. She was a challenging person but at the same time a delight to know. She was grateful for the assitance given to her, still had a great sense of humour and enjoyed a good laugh. One of her strengths was her ability to apologize when she realized she had made a mistake. She greatly enriched my life. One could say that she lived life well.

With fond memories of working together at Woodlands and deepest sympathy.

                                      Ian Campbell
                                      Richmond, BC

I have deliberated long and hard about what I can say about my Aunt Rena.  There is just so much, she was bright and fun, caring and compassionate, encouraging and loyal.  There are so many stories, so many laughs and so many other things I wish I could share with everybody, but words are just not enough. I remember always being so excited to visit my Aunt, I remember playing with some of her most cherished companions, Cheeky and Shadow.  I remember, on my 16th birthday, being taught how to eat soup like a lady.  I remember her infectious laugh, her kindness, the great big caring cuddles she used to give me as a child, and not least, her great love of chocolate cake that belonged to others.

There are few people in my life that I have always wanted to make proud, and she was definitely one of them, as I was always so proud to know her.   Throughout my life she has been a great constant.  She has supported me in everything I have done and always believed in me with such strength and gusto, that it has made me believe in myself.  Now she is at peace, sitting comfortably with my Uncle Russ, I would just like her and everybody else to know how loved she really was.  She helped shape me into the person I am today, and for that I will always be truly grateful.  I love you Aunt Rena, Sleep peacefully.  And, whilst you sit there looking down on us, may the Tuxedo Cake never run dry (P.S. save me a spoon). 

Your Great Niece Lorna x x x

I met Rena #1 in Cranbrook, BC where she was a public health nurse and I was a teacher. We both shared the home of Mrs. Fergie and enjoyed the delicious meals she served us. Rena had a car and I didn't, so she often chauffered.  As our friendship developed, I realized that Rena had a way of fostering a relationship that would endure for more than 50 years. She genuinely cared ....her Scottish accent and expressions were entertaining, her dedicated work ethic was to be emulated and her sense of humor was contagious. When my husband Ed and I set our wedding date, Rena was the first to congratulate us. She was one of my bridal attendants at our wedding, and later celebrated with us at the birth of our son and daughter. 

We considered Rena to be part of our family. We have many treasured memories of telephone calls to see how our lives were unfolding, meals together when we visited the West Coast or when she ventured out to Calgary, and letters that we always looked forward to receiving. She will be dearly missed. 

To her niece and family, Rena #2/Andy/Lorna, and to her nephews, we send our warmest thoughts and prayers. Although Rena chose to live in Canada, she always spoke lovingly of her Scottish heritage. She cared deeply for all of you. 

May her spirit live on through all who were privileged to know her.  

Lillian Tickles

As the only sister of either of my parents, Aunt Rena had a singular significance in my life and she retains a unique place in my heart.   My first toddler memory is of her pretending to scare me with her sparkling brooch in the shape of a lizard then, a few years later being asked if I had washed my hands after a visit to the toilet.   She even sniffed my hands to check if they smelled of soap.   When, in 2001, my wife Jess and I visited from Scotland, we all enjoyed these and other reminiscences and I was able to tell Auntie (how she chided me for teasing her by using that title!) that I was no longer afraid of reptiles and, even after 50 years, I was indeed still washing my hands.   My, how we laughed!

Alas.   No more beautiful lively letters.   No more Beautiful BC Magazine.   But also, no more anguish or agony for our beautiful Aunt.   After a lifetime of service you've gone to your heavenly reward, and no-one deserves it more than you,  –  Auntie.       .......Matthew 25:21.......   

Till a' the seas gang dry.

Rena you accepted me as part of the family 34 years ago, treated me like a son and took me for what I was.
During our visits to Canada and yours to the UK there are many special memories which will remain steadfast.
You loved it when I started Rena No. 1 and Rena No.2, of course you were No. 1 and always will be.
We had many laughs together, usually at my expense, but that was okay as it was good to laugh.
You have held a special place in my heart and mind for many years and will do  so for the rest of my life.
I will miss you but am glad you are at peace and with Russ.
Sleep well Rena
Andy
xxx

My aunt was to me the greatest person in this world                                                                                                               next to my Dad,
In my eyes, she will always be, 
the most beautiful person to walk the earth.
To me she was the smartest woman I will ever know.
I appreciate all the advise she gave me,
The memories I will forever cherish,
for they are priceless.
For all she did, I will forever be thankful,
Having her be a part of my life was the greatest gift of all,
and being in her presence was god's blessing to me.                                                                                                                 I will miss our chats and her cheeky wee laugh.
She was not only my Aunt but my role model,
and to be like her in her better days, would be my only wish.                                                                                            Be at rest Aunt Rena, there is no more pain or suffering,                                                                                             God Bless you.

Your Loving Niece - Rena No.2

OBITUARY

Rena Rankin

November 21, 1925 – August 27, 2012

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre

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