May 22, 1950 – June 24, 2019
Rankin, William Cahill “Callie” – In his 69th year, surrounded by his family, courageously on his own terms, William Callie Rankin passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. During his remarkable life he surrounded himself with the things that he loved the most, family, friends, and horses. In his legendary career training horses, he earned just over 3700 wins. Flamboro Downs was his home racetrack and it was here that he dominated the titles of trainer and driver of the year for nine consecutive years. He dedicated his life to the racing industry not only training, driving and owning but also passing his wisdom and advice to others especially with his blacksmith abilities. He put a smile on everyone’s face with a joke or a welcoming hug. One of his favorite racing memories was purchasing Brawn Seelster and proving that they were a winning combination. Born in North Sydney, NS to Peggy and Donald Rankin the importance of family was instilled in him his whole life. He made sure that his love for his sisters and brothers was always obvious and a priority. Predeceased by his brother Joey, survived by Sonny, Donna, Darlene, Mary Lou, Donnie, and Theresa. His wisdom, morals, and love were generously passed on to his daughters and their partners Jeanette and Lou Fazari, Jennifer and Daryl Blyth, Amber and Patrick Shepherd, Lindsay and Tom Lacroix. His teachings will continue to grow and be evident through his nine grandchildren Callie, Reese, Harleigh, Woodson, Jarvis, Chase, Keisel, Zachary, and Mason who he saw as his greatest achievement. He shared 47 years of happy marriage to the love of his life Brenda. He cared and loved her and cherished every minute they had together. He was one of a kind, the real deal and he will be dearly missed. Visitation is Tuesday, July 2nd at Turner Funeral Home at 53 Main Street, Dundas from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral will take place Wednesday, July 3rd at St. Augustine’s Church, 58 Sydenham Street, Dundas at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life to follow in Cape Breton this summer, details will be announced. If you so wish, donations to The Lung Association or Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.
Our condolences to the family
I’m so very sorry for your loss Brenda, your wonderful girls, their partners and all your grandchildren have lost such a great man. You are all in my thoughts, please accept my deepest condolences.
To Brenda and family
So sorry for your loss. Callie was one of the smartest trainers I know and always a pleasure to talk to . Our deepest sympathy.
Bill and Veronica Maertens
Our sincere condolences ….at a time like this it makes you realize how precious life is….you are in our thoughts and prayers
I was saddened to hear of Callie’s passing. He always spoke to me whenever he saw me at the race paddock, and always had a positive attitude. He loved his family and his horses, as do all of his brothers and sisters. I worked for his father and brother Donnie back in the day and got to know Callie back in Cape Breton and Ontario at the races. My sincere condolences to Callie’s family and his brothers and sisters.
So sorry to hear of Callie’s passing. Condolences to Brenda, his precious girls, brothers and sisters. He was such an incredible horseman, and such a nice fellow. He sure was loved as I would hear lots of great stories from my good friend Darlene and I know she loved it when her brother came back to visit in Cape Breton. Rest In Peace Calli.
Callie was one of those few individuals who was totally comfortable just being ‘Callie’. No pretensions; no entitlement. That trait alone allowed him to accomplish remarkable achievements. What a legacy!!
It is with deep sorrow that I learned of Callie’s passing this week. My sincerest condoleances to Brenda and the girls. My thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times. Callie was the ultimate horseman and a genuine and caring human being. I will cherished forever my last photo with him at Canada House pool 2 years ago. Farewell my friend and rest in peace.
Denis Levesque
Rockland ON
Amber, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ?
Our sincerest condolences to Brenda and family. You are in our thoughts at the sad time.
Callie was a great friend and neighbour. We will miss him, his daily visits, great chats, coffee and muffins.
Thank you Callie for all that you did for us.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Maureen and Ed Owen,
Jeannette, Amber and all the Rankin family…..I wanted to let you know my heart is with you at this very sad time in your life. Never an easy time to say goodbye. Please know that there are so many people who care about you and are sending prayers to each and every one of you. I so remember you, Jeanette, telling wonderful stories about your Dad in the staff room at school…..he will always be with you. Much love
Gail
My condolences to Brenda and family. Although I only saw Callie a few times at Maureen and Ed’s house, I felt like I had known him a long time as they often talked about him.
Rest in Peace Callie.
Brenda and family… in time you will remember not just that he died, but that he lived…and that his life gave you all memories too beautiful to forget. Deepest condolences…
Brenda and family we are so sorry to hear of Callie’s passing. Callie was such a great guy. Lots of good laughs and stories. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmy and Ann Copley.
Dear Brenda and family…
So sorry to hear about your loss…
Prayers and thoughts are with you all…
Brenda and family
Our sincere condolences at your time of sorrow. Callie was a wonderful person. He will be sadly missed.
Dear Brenda &Girls
Morris and I just found out about the loss of Callie. Our hearts go out to you in your loss. He has left such a wonderful legacy behind. You are all in our prayers.