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Ronald Rankin
May 23, 1946 - January 6, 2016
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Ronald Rankin, 69, former Watford City Police Officer and Sheriff of McKenzie county North Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his home in Roy, Washington on January 6th, 2016; He had been battling cancer for many years before Jesus called him home.
Ron Rankin was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on May 1946. As a young man he served four years with the United States Navy before joining the Marine Corps—where he went on to serve an additional 16 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. After retiring from the military, he and his family moved to Watford City, North Dakota. He worked 22 years as an officer before he was elected sheriff of McKenzie County in 2006.
Ron was actively involved in the community, and had a special place in his heart for the youth of McKenzie county— and was a friend to many. Ron served as a youth softball coach; helped develop a youth flag football league; brought in a youth skate park; and volunteered every year for the Counter Act Program which provided protection for youth against drugs and violence. Ron cherished visiting local elementary schools while in uniform to educate adolescents about community policing while sharing stories of time spent in Hawaii. Ron also served as a local Scout Master for many years and positively influenced the young men of Troop 382—some of Ron’s favorite memories involved his time spent with the troop. Ron dedicated much of his life to tutoring and mentoring the young people of McKenzie County.
Ronald Rankin is survived by his wife, Dee Rankin, and his six children: daughter Trenace Sax and husband Glenn of North Dakota; Dawn Rankin of New Mexico; John Rankin and fiancé Anna of Washington; Jennifer Hafey and husband Andrew of Washington; Deedra Hooks and husband Reynaldo of Washington; Eric Rankin and wife Jenifer of Washington; and sister, Brenda Phelps and husband James of New York. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom were the light of his life.
Ron Rankin was laid to rest with full military honors on January 19th, 2016 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent Washington.