Bradford Harvey Rankin

Bradford passed away peacefully December 20, 2016 at his home in Lakebay, WA, with his family at his bedside. He was born November 19, 1934 in Seattle, WA. Brad joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, and faithfully served his country in the Korean War. His military service took him around the world, including twice across the equator. He served briefly on the USS Missouri, then finishing his service aboard the USS Wisconsin, where he earned the Korean Service, United Nations, and National Defense Service Medals. In 1954, while still in the service he met the love of his life, Jean Ann Clark, in Washington D.C., they were married in 1956 in Arlington Virginia. After honorably discharging from the Navy in 1955 he moved back to his home state of Washington, settling first in Tacoma, then to University Place, where he raised his family. He enjoyed a 25 year career at the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1984. After years of sport fishing the Puget Sound, he turned his love and skill for Salmon fishing and the ocean into a second career as a commercial salmon troller, fishing the coastal waters of Washington State for several years. Once retired from commercial fishing, he moved to Ocean Shores, WA where he and Jean enjoyed retired life, Traveling, walking the beaches, razor clamming, and enjoying the clean sea air. Brad also loved his dogs, particularly German Shorthaired pointers, all of his dogs were deeply loved members of the family, and were constantly by his side. Brad is preceded in death by His parents, Charles and Eve Rankin, Niece, Anne Kearl, Nephew, Michael Kearl, and Brother In Law, Alton Kearl. He is survived by His Wife of 60 years Jean Rankin, Sister, Cordelia Kearl, Children, Stewart Rankin, Bonnie Allen (Mark), Jeffrey Rankin (Belinda), & Steven Rankin (Diana), Grandchildren, Joshua Allen, Jordan Rankin, Hana Rankin, Isabella Rankin, and Haleigh Rankin. Brad will be dearly missed by all who loved him. The Rankin Family would like to Thank his Hospice care nurses, Visiting Angels, and the paramedics at PCFD #16 (Lakebay) who were always there to assist with his care and safety. A private service will be held for the family at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wa, Bradford will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors. He can't have gone, he said "Christ know he can't have gone. He's making a turn. Maybe he has been hooked before and he remembers something of it." The he felt the gentle touch on the line and he was happy. Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea