Obituary of George H. Rankin

George H. Rankin Keeseville - George H. Rankin, 81, of Rocky Cove Way, Keeseville, passed away, Sunday, November 30, 2008 at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh with his loving family by his side. He was born in Saranac Lake, February 24, 1927, the son of William and Elizabeth (Brockman) Rankin. He graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1944 and served in the U.S. Navy SEABEE during World War II. He was employed by A & P Tea Company for 35 years as meat supervisor covering a territory in VT and NY. During retirement, George and wife Lucille resided in Florida and most recently here in the North Country. He was a former member of the BPOE and Veterans of Foreign Wars and a current member of the American Legion. In his earlier years, he enjoyed golfing and bowling. Later in life, he was an avid wood worker and enjoyed bird watching and spending time with his beloved family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandpa George. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lucille (Perras) Rankin whom he married April 3, 1948 at the St. Bernard Church in Saranac Lake with Father Wyley celebrating; ten children, Diana and husband Bill Soloski of Keeseville, Thomas Rankin of Waterford, Gail and husband Ron Douglas of Peru, Laura Rankin of CA, Kevin Rankin and fiance Amy of CA, Linda and husband Russell Pray of Keeseville, Michael and wife Mary Rankin of Keeseville, George Rankin of FL, Rick Rankin of CA, and David and wife Stephanie Rankin of FL.; fifteen grandchildren, Brian and wife Caren Laundree, Christine and husband Jeremy Devins, Jacob Rankin, Tim Rankin, Tom Rankin, Ron Douglas Jr., Melanie Douglas, Noah Cozzie, Jonah Rankin, Justin Pray, Brooke Pray, Michael Rankin Jr., Mariah Rankin, Trevor Rankin and Dawson Rankin; 6 great grandchildren, Tristan and Brielle Laundree, Nathan and Connor Devins and Kayden and Kyler Douglas; one brother, William and wife Jeanne Rankin of FL; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Marcia J. Rankin; two grandsons, Christopher and Aaron Rankin; and a sister, Helen (Rankin) Kaiser. Calling hours will be private and at the convenience of the family. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2pm at St. John's Church in Keeseville with Monsignor Leeward J. Poissant, pastor, celebrating. Following cremation burial will be held in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 124 Clinton Street, Keeseville. 834-7667