Obituary of John Rankin

On Saturday, May 9, 2020, John Alexander Rankin, my best friend, love, support, buddy, and husband of 42 years, died after five years with Alzheimer’s disease. He died peacefully in his own bed just as he had hoped, at home, with his wife Jane Sheridan, and his friend and nephew whom he loved like a son, Luke Sheridan, at his side. He remained brave, funny, and a sweetheart until the end. Born in 1947, John was raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland where he trained at Queen’s University in general surgery and obtained his Fellowship in Surgery and Obstetrics from Edinburgh, graduating in 1971. He immigrated to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to further his training in Vascular Surgery at Queen’s University where he obtained his Canadian Fellowship. After he moved to New Brunswick in December 1978, he had a full, active, and satisfying surgical career, and enjoyed teaching residents as well. He loved his work, his patients, and coworkers. John raced rally cars, loved sailing, golfing, hunting, birdwatching, and working outdoors. He enjoyed tennis and pickleball. He loved dogs (Brittany Spaniels) and he loved to ski. He loved to travel all over Europe, Canada, and the US, but especially Canada’s north. He liked tools, especially power tools. He loved winters in Florida and his motor home. He was a man who used his money carefully and generously, and it was through this that he was able to retire at 50. He adored his Porsche, and he loved Guinness, and wine. He was funny, so very funny. He had many friends and loved them all. He loved Fredericton and has lived a full and happy life. He was a good man. He is survived by his broken-hearted wife, Jane Sheridan, his Molly dog, nephew Luke; nieces Leah and Anna in AB, and Jessica in ON, niece Laurel, and nephew Devon, in the US; brothers Eddie (Megan) of PA, and Robert (Joni, Ellan) of Belfast Northern Ireland. Brothers-in-law Michael (late Carla) of SK, David (Sera) of ON, John (Tonia) of NL ,and Ken Hambly, of Scotland. Many cousins, nieces and nephews in Britain, Canada, and the USA. John is predeceased by his older sister, Alison Hambly of Scotland. At the family’s request, there will be no formal service or visitation. Cremation will take place at McAdam’s Funeral Home, Fredericton, and then he will return home to be with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homeless Shelter, the local food bank, Community Kitchen, or a local charity of the donor’s choice.