RANKIN, Diane Joan

—

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Diane Joan Rankin at the age of 87. Diane was born and raised in Kelowna, BC, and loved her hometown. Her family was important to Kelowna’s history, as her parents owned the iconic Fumerton’s store that was a central part of the downtown for multiple generations. In her youth, Diane was active in the Kelowna riding club and competed on the local synchronized swimming team.

After her marriage to Howard Rankin, Diane and her growing family lived in Natal, BC and Whitehorse, Yukon. She eventually returned to the Kelowna area, where she worked until her retirement at Windsor Manor.

She loved to connect with the people in her life, and always kept in touch with her beloved sister Carol, cousins, children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was central to Diane’s life, and she dedicated much of her time to supporting them in whatever way she could, including as a hostess, cheerleader, warm shoulder, and babysitter. She was a central support and fierce advocate for her daughter Brenda throughout her life. She was genuinely interested in the lives of her loved ones and always had time for a cup of coffee, a phone call, or a game of dress-up. Diane’s door was always open, and she provided a home to any of her many grandchildren whenever they needed it.

She loved cats, seeing friends at the coffee shop, and singing in the local choir. She also loved to dance, and was always the last person on the dance floor, right to the end. Diane will be remembered for her generosity, loyalty, dedication to her family, entertaining stories, and feisty spirit.

Diane was predeceased by her son Ken Rankin, daughter Brenda West, and granddaughter Rachel Halton. She is survived by her sister Carol Slesinger; children Ron Rankin (Angie), Lorraine (Robert) Halton, Wendy (Brian) Gagnon, Joanne (George) Holt; twenty grandchildren; and twenty-nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice House Kelowna for their compassionate end-of-life care. To honour Diane’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.