May 10, 1942 – January 11, 2022

Alex (Sandy) passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria BC. He is survived by his wife Miriam Cooley in Victoria, his son Ian in Edmonton AB, and his daughter Katherine in Devlin ON, by siblings Terry (Donnie) MacDonald, Trudy Rankin, Elaine Rankin, Eileen (Allen) Smith, Bernadette (Blake) Mooney, Brenda (Wayne dec.) Lewis, Peter (Leela) Noah, David, Lauchie (Susan), Charlotte Rankin (Desmond Lewin dec.) Mel, Joyce Rankin (Blaine Aitkens), Shawn (Sheree), many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews, He enjoyed long phone conversations with his last remaining uncle Rannie MacDonald in Long Point. He kept track of his many, many, many cousins.

Sandy was the oldest of fifteen children born to Isobel MacDonald and Peter Rankin. He was born and grew up in Cape Breton NS and throughout his life he held a deep love for the island and those who live there. He moved to Western Canada where he had a unique career as a potash miner, a science teacher, and journeyman electrician in Saskatchewan, and as a college level electrical trades instructor in Grand Prairie AB and Vermillion AB. He concluded his career by initiating and teaching an “Introduction to the Electrical Trade” program at Wirtanen Electric in Edmonton.

Sandy was a teller of stories from times past, whether in person or on the phone. He was happy to talk to anyone. Family commitments were of utmost importance and he had an enduring interest in family and community events. He valued the comradery of a work crew and the loyalty of his friends. He took great pride in teaching and mentoring students for careers in the trades. He came to know his demons and to face them down. He had a fascination with cars, Volvos in particular. He believed that sharpening knives was an art form and practiced it at every opportunity. Sartorial style was not too important but he always admired a good pair of leather shoes. He never wore sneakers. Or blue jeans. He wouldn’t discard anything if it could possibly be repaired. He darned his socks. He was curious about everything and everyone. He read widely.
A memorial service will be held in Judique, NS at a later date. Should you wish, donations may be made to your local Cancer Society in Alex’s name.

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