Professor David Rankin: 2 July, 1917 - 10 September, 2009

From: Martyn Unsworth
Subject: David Rankin (1917-2009)

I regret to announce that David Rankin passed away last week in British Columbia. David was a faculty member in our department at the University of Alberta for many years. He published a number of important papers on magnetotellurics from the early 1960s to the 1980s. The obituary from his family is attached below, and I am sure the family would appreciate any reminiscences from those of you who worked with him.

Martyn Unsworth

RANKIN, David, PhD, July 2, 1917 - September 10, 2009
Dr. David Rankin died quietly at the age of 92, after a long decline. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Sophie Shaffer Rankin, son Steve and daughter Susan (Herb Rice) of British Columbia, and daughter Naomi (Bob Wrigley) of Edmonton; also grandchildren Jon (Jenny Carruthers), Robyn (Chris Geisler), Jessica Wittman, Katherine and Elsa Wrigley, and three great-grandchildren. David grew up in Vancouver, and was an RAF pilot during WWII. He earned his doctorate in geophysics at the U of Alberta where he taught until retirement. He then moved to Naramata, BC and established Naramata Woodworking. Throughout his life he was an intense advocate of workers' rights and peace. The family is grateful to Sharon Watson of Penticton and the staff of Riverbend Retirement Residence in Edmonton for their devotion and kindness in caring for David.

Friends are invited to an informal memorial gathering at the home of Naomi Rankin and Bob Wrigley, 8227-93 A Avenue, on Saturday, September 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Condolences: www.serenity.ca Serenity Funeral Service, South Edmonton, (780) 450-0101