Lachlan Arthur “Art” Rankin

With great sadness, we announce that on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, while the sun shone on the fields, Lachlan Arthur “Art” Rankin passed peacefully from this world, surrounded by his loving family.

He will be dearly missed by Sandra (née Barrington), his devoted wife of 68 years and the love of his life; their three children, Lachlan (Sharon), Wanda (Mike) and Jamie (Heidi); his eight cherished grandchildren, Collin (Lindsay), Allan (Betelhem), Devon (Jon), Jenna, Hallie (Jeff), Kellan, Kerrie (Sean) and Kendall (Mani); and his three precious great-grandsons, Anderson, Spencer and Finnley.

Art was the son of the late Burton “Burt” Rankin and Elizabeth (née Van Vliet). He was the beloved brother of the late Joan Hanly (Kenneth), Margaret Dryer (James), David (Jean) and Van (Mary). He will also be lovingly remembered by sisters-in-law, Joan MacDonald and Errolyn Rennie; brother-in-law, Murray Leclaire; and his many treasured nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Born and raised on the family farm, Art’s lifelong passion was agriculture. At the age of 16, he attended the Agriculture Program at Macdonald College. Upon graduation, he returned to the farm and began working with the Quebec Artificial Insemination Board. Around this time, Art met Sandra, and they married in 1958. They shared a loving partnership and built a beautiful life together. They remained deeply devoted to one another through all of life’s seasons. As their young family grew, Art and Sandra bought their dairy farm in Godmanchester, and Art accepted a position with Eastern Breeders. He worked as an area supervisor until the Quebec branch closed.

Faced with the possibility of relocating, Art chose instead to remain on the farm he loved. He began a new chapter as a life insurance agent for Mutual Life of Canada. His genuine interest in people, strong work ethic and great capacity for joy helped him build a long and successful career.

Art took great pride in everything he did. Farming was never simply his occupation; it was part of who he was. He loved taking drives through the countryside, looking over the farm fields and stopping to talk with the many people he knew throughout the valley. Art rarely went far without finding someone to visit with or a story to share.

A proud and active member of the Huntingdon community throughout his life, Art served as a Cub Scout leader; warden and lifelong parishioner of St. John’s Anglican Church; president of the Huntingdon Fair Board and founder of its tractor pull; and senior member and coordinator of the Huntingdon Curling Club. He also participated in the Huntingdon bowling league and the CVR Parent School Board Association, served with the Godmanchester Volunteer Fire Department and on the Huntingdon Protestant Cemetery Committee, and was a member of Chateaugay Masonic Lodge No. 36 for more than 50 years.

A loyal sports fan, Art loved cheering for the Montreal Canadiens, Expos and Alouettes. Following his retirement, he continued raising beef cattle and growing crops. He also enjoyed dancing, playing cards, meeting friends for cribbage at the Legion and travelling across the country to visit his many friends and family members. No matter how busy life became, he always found time to enjoy sunsets at the cottage.

Above all else, family came first to Art. This was one of the greatest lessons he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Through his example, he taught them the importance of working hard and staying connected with the people who matter most.

Art lived a full and meaningful life. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, friendship and community. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A private funeral will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, officiated by Art’s dear nephew, Pastor Randy Barrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntingdon Protestant Cemetery, St. John’s Anglican Church in Huntingdon, Quebec, or a charity of your choice.