It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Douglas ‘Sonny’ Rankin, regretfully announce his passing on October 6th, 2021. Born in Frenchvale to the late Donald and Peggy (MacDonald) Rankin, he lived in Sydney with his beloved wife, the late Carol (MacNeil) Rankin. He is survived by his children, Colin, John (Lori), Cathy (Lawrence), and Debra Rankin and stepson Ralph (Sandra) Matheson; his grandchildren, Shannon, Colleen, Jordon (Kristen), Jerid, Jaxon, Paige (Taylor), Tyler and Kristin; and his great-grandchildren, Rhielle and Raylynn. He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa (Albert) MacMaster, Donna Rankin-Neville, Darlene Costello, Marylou Rankin Denton; his brother, Donnie (Joan) Rankin, and his sisters-in-law, Brenda (MacCormick) Rankin and Sandy Rankin; the mother of his children, Carol (Andrews) Rankin, and many nieces and nephews. Sonny was pre-deceased by his brothers, Joe and Cahill Rankin, as well as his brother-in-law Rick Costello.
Racing and horsemanship were Sonny’s forte. He was around horses all of his life. His father was a prominent horseman and Sonny learned from him. Sonny was inducted into the Cape Breton Horseman’s Hall of Fame. In 2019, he was honoured and inducted into the Cape Breton Sport Heritage Hall of Fame for his lifetime contributions to harness racing in a career spanning over 60 years.
He raced in the Nova Scotia Invitational with Eben’s Ace at 16 and had a very successful driving and training career. Sonny was a thinking driver who won many races coming down the rail. His favourite horses were Pellaire Doin Boy, Hilltop Splurge, Armbro Kagey, Sunny Meadows, Duddy’s Dancer, Donmar Lindsay, Apparition, Shadydale Deb, Pickle Pepper and Highway to Heaven. A driving accident ended his driving career in 1991, but Sonny continued as an owner and trainer before spending time in the judges stand. He returned to the track to race his fillies and colts. Carol Alice, Name is on the Halter, and Three Pink Bows brought him much happiness and success. Before his passing, Sonny discussed his excitement to start training his next colt.
Sonny should have been a vet. He was who you called day or night if your mare was foaling, or if your horse was lame or had any problems. He always came and willingly shared his expertise and empathy with a generous spirit.
Sonny loved music, dancing, and spending time with his friends and family. He had a joke and a smile for anyone he met. When telling or hearing a joke or story, he would rub his hands together with excitement for the punchline, but if he was rubbing his head, it was best to turn and walk the other way. Sonny brought joy to many and his infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
Visitation for Sonny will be held on Wednesday, October 13th, from 2:00pm-4:00pm and from 7:00pm-9:00pm at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, October 14th at Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.
“A true horseman does not look at a horse with his eyes, he looks at his horse with his heart.” – Unknown
To leave memories or condolences for the family, please visit www.twcurry.com
