Robert Allen Rankin was born on November 10, 1960, on a U.S. Military base in Frankfurt, Germany, and died in his home in Holladay, Utah on April 26, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.
His favorite sport was racquetball and he turned pro in his early 20’s at one time ranking #6 in the world. He was also a concert pianist; his favorite piece to perform was Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor. Bob actively composed ballads which he used to win over the love of his life, and years later, to inspire his children to pursue their own musical gifts. He met his wife in 1983, while playing racquetball at the University of Utah. They married in 1985 and had three beautiful children.
Bob served as a Communications Electronics Officer in the 536th Signal Corps in the United States Army and was based in Salt Lake City, Utah. A lifelong movie buff, he was also the founder and president of the Original Gilligan’s Island Fan Club, which operated from 1991 To 1997.
Although he suffered a number of health issues over the years, he was a fantastic provider for his family and persevered through much suffering, fought the good fight, and held on to eternal life. Bob is survived by his loving wife, brother, and three children. Farewell, little buddy; we’ll greatly miss you. See ya!