RANKIN, John Alexander, 47, Troy, Cape Breton, passed away in Strait Richmond Hospital on Thursday, March 19, 2009, with his family and loved ones by his side after a short battle with cancer which he faced with great courage and strong faith. Born in Antigonish, he was the son of the late Peter and Jessie (Campbell) Rankin. He was a plumber/pipefitter by trade, a member of Operating Engineers Local 721. For the past 12 years John was self-employed as owner/operator of Strait Mobile Wash. He was a member of Stella Maris Parish, Creignish, past member of the Hall Committee, the Maple Ridge Runners ATV Club and Cape Clear Snowmobile Club. John will always be remembered for his wit and ability to make everyone laugh. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone. He is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria (Moore); son, Peter, Fort McMurray/Troy; daughter, Jessica, Troy; brother, Danny, Troy; nephews, Terrell and Rankin MacKay, Ontario; mother-in-law, Jean Moore, Pleasant Bay; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, many many dear friends; special godchildren, Terrell and Abby Walker. He was predeceased by brother, Peter Michael; paternal grandparents, Alex and Jessie Rankin; maternal grandparents, John Dan and Kate Sarah Campbell; father-in-law, Stanley Moore. There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will at 6 p.m. Monday in Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Father Hughie D. MacDonald officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Memorial donations to the Oncology Unit of St. Martha's Regional Hospital or Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Service Information Service Date Monday, March 23, 2009