Frederick "Rick" R. M. Rankin

Frederick R. M. “Rick” Rankin was born on October 1, 1947 in Portland, Oregon to parents, Frederick Harold Rankin and Betty J. (McKenzie) Rankin. He died on January 7, 2025 at his home in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 77 years surrounded by his family. Rick was raised and attended school in Hermiston, Oregon. He graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1966. Rick then attended Blue Mountain Community College before transferring to Eastern Oregon College. He married Ida Marie Brandl in 1970, and they had 3 children: Rob, Kyle and Hayley. Rick started his career with the Oregon State Police in 1971. He was stationed in Astoria, Oregon for 4 years before transferring to Hermiston, Oregon where he has lived since. He retired as a Senior Trooper in 1996. Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Marie in 2000. He married Kathleen “Kathy” Gabriel on February 16, 2002 in Hermiston, Oregon. Rick was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Hermiston Fire Department board and budget committee in Hermiston, Oregon. He was a talented wood worker and carver, enjoyed the mountains, traveling, and working in his yard. Rick cherished being Papa to his grandchildren and supporting them in their activities and sports.

He is survived by his wife: Kathy Rankin, Hermiston, OR; children: Rob Rankin, Pendleton, OR, Kyle Rankin (Michelle), Richland, WA, Hayley Buckley (Zach), Helix, OR, Tami Smith, Hermiston, OR and Ryan Corey (Sarah), Hermiston, OR; sister: Vicky Doolin (Bill), Hermiston, OR; grandchildren: Kylee, Kaden, Samantha, Joel, Brett, Liam, Brandl, Sundari, Blane, Mariska and McCoy; 1 great granddaughter: Kinslee; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Marie Rankin.

A Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hermiston, Oregon.

Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery with State Police Honors. 

Those who wish may make contributions in Rick’s memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Please share memories of Rick with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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