March 16, 1949 - February 8, 2026

With sadness and great love, the Rankin family announces the passing of Robert Allan Rankin. Devoted husband of Elizabeth (née Handrahan), loving dad to Thomas (Leanne), Michael (Simone), Peter (Tessa), and Katie (William), doting Grampie/Papa to Mathias, Isla, Yari, Emmy, and Cosette, Allan passed away peacefully on February 8th surrounded by his family.

A dedicated public servant, historian, and the foremost modern voice of the Island folk songwriting tradition, Allan profoundly impacted his beloved Prince Edward Island through his life’s work. But he would proudly say his greatest achievement was being a husband, father, and grandfather to his Rankin clan. In his retirement, he enjoyed welcoming his family home to Hunter River in the summer, taking his grandkids to Sprinkles for ice-cream, singing his heart out at Rankin family karaoke, and hosting his famous fish fry.

A remembrance event through story and song will be held on Sunday, February 22 at 3pm at the Cymbria Lions Club in South Rustico.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be made to the QEH Foundation for dialysis equipment.

Our family wishes to thank the incredible nurses, doctors, and staff at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre, as well as the palliative homecare team. Allan deeply appreciated your expertise and care.

I grew up at the bottom
of the Glover Shore Road
Near the place where the seawall ends
Where the eel grass is high
and the bank swallows fly
In the shadow of the bay oyster men
With one foot in the country
and the other in town
Trying my best to be free
But at night in my bed
funny dreams filled my head
I heard Marg Osborne singing to me
She said follow that star
That Maritime star
Don’t lose sight of the water
Wherever you are
With sand in your pockets
Boy you can’t wander too far
Those big city lights
Can’t shine as bright
As the Maritime star

— Maritime Star by Allan Rankin