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Last Guestbook update on January 13, 2008 |
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Here are the comments left by The Rankins fans from January-June 2000. Your website looks great, Kimberley! It's always good to hear about the Rankins and
their lovely music. You've done a wonderful job, Thank you very much for still having a website dedicatied to such a wonderful group of
people I love your website devoted to the family whose voices "sparkle like diamonds in
the night." You've done a very good job with your site and it is great way to be able to keep up on
a very talented family. love the rankins, there original talented family and there songs take the lonesomeness
away as i am from down east born in n.b. they show a family unit and it shows in there
music..thank-you rankins a number one fan anne What can you say about the Rankins. they make you want to get up and dance and I don't
like dancing. Once you hear them, it is like being transported to another world, where
peace and their type of harmony exists. i was very sad to hear the band split up and
especially the death of their family member. The Rankins will always remain in one's
heart. Thank You. The music of the Rankins family is great motivation for me, in the job and every day.
Keep me optimistic and dynamic...it’s not enough? Although the greatest for me is
with Leahy style! Thanks God and you guys for your motivation and inspiration! We love all of the Rankin's music. We are transplanted Canadians from Ontario to
Memphis TN and like to hear some real music to bring us back home. I First saw the Rankin Family at a broad cove concert in good ole Cape Breton.The song
they played was called boys be happy, and from that day on i was hooked. they are truly a
heartwarming gruop to listen to.I was saddened to hear of John Rankins death as I tuned
into Donnie Cambells Radio show any one who ever misses home or feels like getting to know
youreself better, put a Rankin tune on and enjoy.P.S. great web page a true work of art. I kind of lost track of the Rankins for a while until someone asked me if I had any
Cape Breton music. I found my "Fare Thee Well" cassette from years ago and was
pleasantly suprised to find it's held up very well after all these years. Doesn't seem to
be too many Rankin fans out here in San Francisco, but I'm certainly one who's returned to
the fold after a decade away!! Hi I love the Rankin there cool. Some day I would like to be a singer like them to. But
I have a long time to go because I am only 13 year old. Got to go bye Saw Heather Rankin on The View this morning. Great job! Best of luck with your career.
Hopefully we'll see you back in the US for tour dates. Your site is quite well done in my opinion..... I spent quite a bit of time browsing
around.... Plesant reading, pictures, information.... I would like to see a link maybe
which would provide the lyrics of the Rankins tunes. So many Canadians sing or hum tunes
in their day to day activities, it would be lovely for my family to have access and to
learn the lyrics of these tunes. Thanks. AWESOME PAGE!!! I luv the Rankins!! They r Great!! I am living in Guelph, Ontario, but
born and raised in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island. Dear Rankins I Realy enjoy your music.I can't put your CDs down sometimes.Infact you
can say that I'm addicted to it. You and Natilie Mcmaster are angels from heaven.Please be
sure to make time for family and friends. Keep up the good work. I Love yous.You own a big
piece of my HEART! And Kimberly thanks for this web site,for it has made me very happy. Real nice site lv the rankins all the best David. My Wife and I saw your special on CBC last Sunday night (I have a sat. dish) and we
enjoyed it very much. Does your touring ever bring you to Cleveland, Ohio Bob I have been a fan even before you began recording. I first heard your family play and
sing at a festival in Mabou MANY years ago. I have everything you have ever recorded and
now that I live in B.C., listening to it takes me home often. I was so upset by the
passing of John Morris. As his spirit lives on, may he be happily entertaining others on
the other side, and may God send all of you his comforting love as you miss his presence
in your daily lives. I realize that you have given you all to share your talent with us
over the years and now need some time for yourselves, but hopefully someday soon we will
see you all singing together again. Your admiring fan, Lois Malloch thanks for the great site!!!!!! Thank you so much for your site. As a Canadian living overseas, I have just heard the
news about John Morris and I am deeply, deeply saddened. This was the only place I could
find to answer all my questions and express my feelings about his loss. I pray for his
family and will miss him and his music very much. it's hard to tell from a song on the radio just how talented this group really is but i
caught them on the tv the other night and was blown away i hope someday our band has some
of the success the rankins have had Again sorry to hear of the loss of family as well as the band going in different
directions. I saw one of your concerts on Canadian tv and loved the music. I searched
endlessly until I found the CD "Collection". Everyone who has listened to it
wanted a copy. The dealer has made a good profit from me. Nothing would be better than to
organize again and tour the lower U.S. where a lot of Celtic ancestors are. Grandfather
Mountain North Carlonia holds the Highland Games Festible each year with clan and flamily
from all over the world there to watch as well as to enter the games. A full event of
music is heard from bagpipes to the standard folk music. As I have learned, the passing of
ones family should draw the rest closer instead of apart. I hope to see the group together
at Bristol Motor Speedway here in East Tennessee home of NASCARS fastest half mile and
largest stadium in Tennessee at 150,000 seats. my condolences on the loss of john morris. i've always been a fan of the rankins, since
the first time i heard any of their material. i became a die hard fan, however, when i
heard them play here in concert in 1999. don't ever lose your spirit, the world is with
you, always. I first heard the Rankins only this year and I got hook with Gillis Mountain. It's
quite dissapointing for me to find out how good the band was and also to found out that it
has lost one of the most valuable member in the family. One other thing it is just
unbelievable that they have to break up. Just hope they will get back and play a reunion
concert or something. Great web-site. Keep up the good work, Kimberley. I first heard The Rankins when I lived in Northern NY at the Canadian border. I
fell in love with the music, the vocals. I had a lot of trouble getting any music
living in the USA. Sadly I moved to NH and lost contact with the music until
recently when I saw two CD's on an online service. From there I was able to get in
touch with this website. I am in the process of getting all their music. I am
saddened by the loss of John. Though I did not know him or the Rankins personally,
the loss is yet felt. No reason their style can't live on now.
Kimberley...Keep up the good work...Their spirit is alive in you. Mike. A special fiddle tune is playing in heaven today in memory of John Morris on his
birthday. just checked out the internet to see what was going on with the Rankins, thought a tour
must be due, hadn't heard they had disbanded or of the death of the beautiful John Morris.
I am so shocked and sad for those who loved him, especially Jimmy and his sisters. Awesome website! I was first exposed to the Rankins at a small venue concert. Unfortunately, the Rankins
were only advertised through the regular concert series brochure and not in the celtic
community. It was not a sell-out and it should have been. :^{ They were great, by the way,
and I've fallen down the slippery slope of celtic music ever since! Although I have only recently been hooked up to the Internet, I have enjoyed your
website ,Kimberley. I visit almost daily for updates. If the Rankins happen to read these
messages, My prayers are with you. There's a special place in heaven for John Morris. I first became aware of the Rankins years ago on my first visit to Cape Breton.
Whenever I think of Cape Breton, it is with a "Rankin soundtrack". Listening to
them will now be bittersweet. The Rankins have long been a favorite. My part in remembering JMR will be to learn to
play some of their songs. I will never do their music justice but it will be my memorial
to John and the Family. RIP John and carry on Rankins. God Bless Kimberley, Sheesh. I was at YOUR site the day of the unfortunate passing of JMR!!!!
Thanks for the note. Shawn I first saw the Rankins supporting Mary Black in concert, in warwick england. My
partner of the time and I were of the opinion that the Rankins far outshone the set by the
main act.I subsequently introduced the Rankins to all my girlfriends as iI met them, and
they have all gone on to be fans.Being across the pond, we have missed out on so much
information. I only came online this week, and my second internet search found this site.
I am quite saddened by the news I have found out, as I am sure my previous girlfriends
will be when they find out.I did not even know the band had broken up!!! Truly, a great loss for us all. Hello, Im writing from Alberta, my mom is from Inverness, I love to drive by your place
every summer. Your music is greatly appricated throughout our household. Im very sorry
about the loss of your brother. Good Luck in the future. The Rankin's music is extraordinary. Really touches the soul. So saddened by the loss
of John Morris. As I write on St. Partick's Day, I am saddened to hear of the loss of John Morris and
the breakup of the band. I've enjoyed Rankin music for years. I the music and the memories
of the first time I heard their lyrical sounds. We were sadden to hear of John Morris' passing and the breakup of the Rankins. We have
enjoyed their music on Canadian television. We have been to Cape Breton several times, but
always seemed to miss their performance. We do have several of their tapes. Our sympathy
goes to John's family. It was with deep sadness that we recently learned of the sudden passsing of John Morris
Rankin. The Rankins were great Canadian ambassadors when they toured the US. Besides
deepening our Canadian pride, through their music, we have come to treasure the diversity
that exists within Canada. We hope someday to visit Cape Breton and experience first hand
their joie de vivre. Just learned of the death of John Morris Rankin. My sympathy to all. I'm hopeful the Rankin Women can bring their beautiful voices to Ontario this summer
after they have mourned the passing of John Morris. You must in time find a way to go on,there is power in numbers.Don't let your GOD given
talent die.Pass it on to the younger generation.Stand together,be strong. Dedicate the
next beautifull tunes to the loved one you lost.Life is so short take advantage.Also put
where you come from on the map.God gave you a tellent,most people fantasize about,Use
it.God Bless all of your Families. Condolences to the family. I was introduced to the beautiful music while studying with Cape Bretoners in Toronto.
I was fortunate to see Natalie MacMaster play Harbourfront soon after she began touring.
Saw the Family in Boston just last May. It was clear they were looking forward to the trip
home after concluding their tour. How many times have I myself driven off to early morning
hockey games...? Deepest condolences to all. We love your site Love the unique sound of the Rankins, and can't wait to get a hold of the Christmas CD! Sorry... John's passing was untimely and regretable. He had such talent. Many thanks to the
Rankins and the other celtic artists for giving us so much pleasure over the years. I was saddened and very depressed to hear of the accident. I hope the family is doing
well. I had the privilage of meeting all of the rankins when they came to Owen Sound a few
years ago when i was about 13. I also play the fiddle but will never be as good as John
Morris was. A sunday afternoon in mid-september 1999, it felt like a beginning of sorts. We arrived
at the "Red Shoe" ( a small pub in the heart of "downtown" mabou) at
1:30pm for the show was to begin at 4pm. The place was going to be jammed and if you
wanted to get in you had better get there early. John Morris and Howie were playing and
that was an "event" for the music lovers in the surrounding area. The room was
full by the time the musicians showed up and began to set up their equipment. I was
reminded of a time at "Le Gabriel" in Cheticamp, when a group in the crwod broke
out into spontaneous applause as the fiddlers walked into the room. None of that today,
just some setting up and a little bit of joking amoungst themselves and with whoever
happened to be standing around. The music got underway with Howie on the fiddle and John
Morris on piano. It music was incredible. There was a gentleman standing by our table. He
didn't look familiar, we invited him to have a seat with us. He was from British Columbia
and was traveling through the area on a bit of a vacation. He had been in Mabou days
before and had gone out of his way to return to see this set. I mentioned to him that he
had picked a good show to attend and to sit back and enjoy. I pointed at John Morris and
said, "You're seeing one of the best." Everyone respects Howie's playing
tremendously but the reason this pub is so filled on this afternoon was on the chance that
John Morris might play his fiddle. The afternoon went on and it was a blast. The music had
the place bouncing, the crowd was into it. When Jerry Deveaux got up to play his
"spoons", Howie decided that he was determined to out-play him. The tunes
continued for 45 minutes straight. At one point John Morris turned towards Howie and then
looked sky-ward, shaking his head and laughing. Jerry, with sweat pouring off his brow
eventually got up and turned towards the players, bowed and then stepped off the stage.
Howie finished his tune to the roar of the crowd. During the break there was some
apprehension. Was John Morris going to play or not? I talked to some friends and we all
agreed, he was what we came to the show. John morris didn't play the fiddle for dances a
whole lot, so seeing him paly was a real treat. He played all the great old tunes. The
next set began and John Morris took his seat with fiddle in hand and finished the
afternoon with his beautiful music. Tables were moved away from the front of the stage and
people danced some sets to the old-style tunes John Morris played so well. I had some
drink and was easily convinced to get up and dance a set. By 8:30 the show was over. I
look back and remember how much fun that afternoon was. Talking to some friends afterwards
we discussed how great the music was. And how it was only the beginning. With the Rankins
breaking up Howie and John Morris were home. We expected to see them play much more. We
had shared them with the world and now they were back at home and they were ours' again.
And we were going to enjoy ever minute of every dance we expected to see them play.
Unfotunately that wasn't meant to be. That afternoon as I happily anticipated more great
music from John Morris turned sadly to be the last time I got to see him play. John
Morris' death is tragic in so many ways. Most importantly a father and husband was lost. A
talented musician was lost. A standard bearer of a tradition in an ancient music was lost.
A brother, cousin, nephew, uncle was lost. And a friend was lost. John Morris, no matter
where you were, if he saw you he would stop and say hello. It wasn't a big favour he was
doing for you, it was just the case of a nice guy stopping to see how things were. It's so
hard to believe he's gone. Godspeed John Morris. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE RANKIN FAMILY. I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR MUSIC FOR SEVERAL YEARS
NOW. ONE OF MY TREASURES IS A LETTER THAT I RECEIVED FROM YOUR MOTHER WHEN I WROTE TO YOU
ALL BACK IN 1996. SHE ANSWERED VERY KINDLY IN YOUR BEHALF. THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES AND
I HOPE THAT MAYBE YOU CAN STILL MAKE MUSIC IN THE FUTURE. MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU EACH
AND EVERYDAY. PEACE AND LOVE,RICHARD GROCE I was saddened to hear that the Rankins broke up the band. I still and always will love
the music. My heart broke when i heard of John Rankins death. It was so sad. He will be
greatley missed i'm sure. I will never forget him. He will live on in our hearts and in
the music. My condolences to his family. God Bless. Take Care. Fans forever. April &
Family. Thank you for the music! I just discovered this today and have been quite fascinated. I know we have enjoyed the
Rankins more than they realize, but it is wonderful to see comments from the UK etc. I've
watched them grow (literally and professionally!) and they have always been delightful.
Kay and Buddy did a good job. With so much talent, they have given a vast amount of
pleasure to listeners all over. However, I am particularly proud to see my children enjoy
them immensely too. THANK YOU for making car trips so pleasant, as they listened and sang
along with The Rankins. A special memory is of my 3-year old singing to the top of her
voice to their GAELIC song. You can only imagine her version! It still makes us smile, and
that is just what The Rankins have done for so many. Thanks for the music; you've given so
much of yourselves for the enjoyment of others. As for John Morris, there are no words. I
honestly couldn't follow the news on this one; it is just too painful. I can only say how
truly sorry I am for his family and friends. Poor John Morris had no idea what an impact
he had made on people; no idea! His humility and shyness were his sweetest attributes and
endeared him to everyone. Father Morris summed it up perfectly when he said "He went
into the big world as John Morris and returned as 'John Morris'". Thanks for the
music; you've given a lot of yourselves and now deserve to have time FOR yourselves. Stay
well and safe; you are all important to us and you deserve to know the magnitude of your
impact on music and family. Well done. You continue to make me proud--even in John Morris'
death. That 3-yr old who is now 10 includes you in her nightly prayers. I think John
Morris would be pleased! God Bless! Hi Kimberley. Nice website and a fitting tribute to the Rankins. We have enjoyed thier
music almost since the beginning, when we were introduced to it by our friends from Maine.
They are pretty much our favorite group now. Even though they're technically not a group
anymore, they're still a family, and that bond shows in their music. Maybe someday we'll
get to Cape Breton and experience the land and the music first hand. Not much more can be
said about John Morris. Even though we never met any of the Rankins, it seems like we know
them all, and we were shocked and saddened to hear of John Morris' untimely death. I'm
sure he was loved by everyone that knew him, and was a great musician as well as a
wonderful person. He will be missed. Godspeed John Morris, and put in a good word for the
rest of us! Fare thee well, love. Saddened by the loss of John Morris. It only adds to the loss of the Rankins from the
music scene. Great harmonies will be missed. Those harmonies on the chieftan's tears of stone - unsurpassed excellence. Please keep
well, and keep on goin'God Bless Slange I was so sorry to hear of the breakup of the group, and then the tragic and untimely
death of John. Their beautiful and unique music truly touches my soul like no other.
Heaven has gained a wonderful musician. We will miss him here. I was devastated with the news of John Morris Rankin's death. After losing my Dad in
1993 and then my 29 year old brother in 1995, the music of the Rankins helped me through
some really rough times. I consider myself so lucky to have seen all of them in concert,
and feel truly blessed to have been touched by their music - music that speaks directly to
your soul. God Bless You, John Morris... may you rest in peace. Deepest sympathies. I heard my favorite song of yours(now my fav. song) the day before
John died at my Fav. teachers funeral She died in a snowmobile accident and "Rise
Again" is her fav. song. Please email me. The light John Morris left will never die. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Rankin family at this tragic loss of John. A star
will twinkle in the sky as he plays on. Just want to extend my condolences on John Morris Rankin's death. My heart goes out to
them in their time of sorrow. I also had not heard of the band's breakup, as news of The
Rankins in Florida is pretty scarce. I missed my chance to see them live. I hope their
future individual endeavors give them great satisfaction. I truly enjoy listening to their
music as I work--it makes the day go much faster. sorry to hear this great loss. Thanks for you EM Kimberley advising me of this site. It is very well done ! :) I am
going to forward this URL to my brother in Halifax & my sister in New Glasgow. I know
they will enjoy it as much as I have. Everbody loves the Rankins and your site is a
tribute to such fine musicians. HAVE A GREAT WEEK ! Bob Beaton My dad is originally from St. Peters, CB and I have many fond memories of summers spent
there. I have always been a fan of celtic music but The Rankins and The Barra MacNeils
finally made it "cool" to listen to. You have my deepest sympathies. John will
be greatly missed. How wonderful to finally find your site and how sad to read of your great loss. I was
introduced to your music by a friend who had moved here from Minnesota. As a singer I was
thrilled by your harmonies and phrasing. I hoped to hear you all live some day, but will
have to wait until we are all in Heaven - with John Morris. I cannot imagine your shock or
loss, but all of you will be in my prayers. I will continue to search for your music. God
strengthen all of your Hearts. Love your music!!!Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your
husband,brother and friend. His talent and presence will be missed by all of the hearts
that he touched Being from Cape Breton, and living there during the times of watching, first, Rayleen
perform as a young woman,( I was an original cast member of the Rise And Follies Of Cape
Breton Island), then seeing the growth of the Rankins as a world class musical group, it
made me proud to be a Cape Bretoner, to know our Island produces such excellent artists.
It is with great regret to learn of the passing of John Morris. He has been a part of my
heritage as a fellow Cape Bretoner, and will always live in my mind and heart whenever I
hear his music. I send my condolences and prayers of healing to his family. I know his
Spirit will live on. Ernie MacAulay, originally from St.Anne's, Victoria County, Cape
Breton. I was deeply saddened by the news of John Morris Rankin. I have been a big fan of the
Rankins for years. I have all there tapes and listen to them every day. We will all miss
him. I am 19 years old and will always enjoy your music.god bless you all. With great saddness I send my condolences to John Morris' wife,children, and the Rankin
family. At this time; be strong and may God Bless. From Korea Roy... Great Website Kimberley: We loved the Rankins,have their tapes and CD's,always play
them.Never met them personally but saw them in concert.We attended the funeral of John
Morris and it was carried out with much dignity and love by all who performed(imagine 100
fiddlers) or attended.The crowds that attended, many of them well known dignitaries showed
the love the people have for the Rankin family. God bless you all. I didn't know the Rankin's personally but our whole life we listened to their music.We
loved it. John will be missed greatly. i didn't know the Rankin's personally but our whole life growing up in Glace Bay we
knew who the Rankin's were,we loved their music.i feel terrible about John's death,he will
be missed. GOD BLESS THE ENTIRE RANKIN FAMILY at this difficult time. Twenty years ago John Morris
and Carl (Donald Angus) Beaton arrived at my house in Port Hood about one o' clock in the
afternoon. He played violin and I played the guitar until five o' clock that evening. That
"Kitchen Party" was and will continue to be a very special memory. Several years
ago I was asked by a family (The Brandens) in Fox Creek to take home a photo of our local
Fox Creek Highland Dance Group in the hope that I could have it autographed by the members
of the group. Mrs Rankin took charge of this matter and two weeks later I received the
photo with everyones signature. Heartfelt thanks to the Rankins for their wonderful music
and for being true Cape Breton ambassadors. Your love of family and people will always
have a special place in the hearts of all your fans and the people you know. Take Care God
Bless and JOHN MORRIS will be missed. Terrance Norma and Lydia Mac Intyre Fox Creek
Alberta Nadine Mac Intyre Port Hood Cape Breton Nova Scotia I was deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. The music that lifted my spirits
and raised my hopes will always carry a hint of darkness with the thought that this
particular melding of talents will occur again no more in this world. Something truly
unique and special has been lost and I hope some solace can be derived from the knowledge
that only an exceptional talent could touch an anonymous soul from such a distance as this
with both heartfelt lightness of spirit and glee, and emptiness at its passing. This is just a little note to say thanks to John Morris for his wonderful music that he
brought to my life and the happiness he brougt my heart just by knowing him. He was a
beautiful person and he will never be forgotten by myself and all. God bless John
Morris!!!We all love him dearly!! My family and I became acquainted when we lived in the Glen in the early 80's and
discovered as you do there that we were related tho not closer than thir cousins.At the
time skaitng was the venue and the music not as known to us.As the years past we we
exposed to the joys of listening to and seeing them perform and were proud to be part of
the CB family of friends and relatives.The music has been a part of our lives and Gillis
Mountain will always hold memories for me as will WE RIse Again. We were the Leslies from
the Glen and we all want to offer our tears and prayers to the family, but especially to
heather in this a time of great loss.John Morris will live on forever in all our hearts. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Darryl My sincere condolences to all the Rankin family. I was in Halifax to one of your
concerts, and John sure could make the piano talk!! You all have made Nova Scotia proud!!
God be with everyone of you at this time. i was very sad to hear the news about john rankin my heart goes out to you and your
family i to have lost family in fatal accidents A Celtic Blessing To John. Deep peace of the Running Wave to you Deep peace of the
Flowing Air to you Deep peace of the Quiet Earth to you Deep peace of the Shining Stars to
you Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you Our prayers & condolences go out to the Rankin family. I could barely read through
all the comments without being teary eyed again. My husband & I took our two small
children, then aged 3 & 4, to a concert in 1994 in Grande Prairie, AB. Such wonderful
music and talent, but most of all, we were impressed at how family- oriented the concert
was. One day, may your tears be turned into dancing. Even if I dont know much about the Rankin Family since I dont really like their kind of
music...still Im sorry about him dying. I dont know anyone who died in a car accident but
still I know people who died and it sucks. No one in the world deserves to die unless they
are a murderer themselves. He was only 41 years old... :-( Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers to the Rankin Familly. We were
greatly devastated by the news. God bless Norm Roy To the Rankin Family; Having been a fan from Cape Breton for so long, I was so sad to
hear the news of your loss. I lost a brother who was only 26 years of age and can tell you
I know what you are all going through. My thoughts are with you, God Bless, Paula My sincerest condolences to the Rankin family for the recent loss of John Morris
Rankin. I attended their concert at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario on October 21 1999
and I must say that although John was not in the forefront, his performance was every bit
as enjoyable as Jimmy's and the ladies'. His talent as a musician was impossible to
demonstrate on tape, one had to hear and see him live in order to fully appreciate it. It
was a most enjoyable evening all around, and quite possibly the greatest concert I have
ever (or will ever) attend. If any of the Rankins ever reads this, I want them to
understand how sad I felt when I heard the tragic news last Sunday. I have not been a fan
of theirs for long, but I will certainly be a fan for life. God bless John Morris Rankin.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him personally or through his incredible music. I met John at Cambridge U.K last year. A most charming man ,a true gentleman. May he
live for ever through his music. God Bless you John. 'Thank you, John Morris, for your time with us.' (Jim St.Clair) what a brief Bright
lite. All our sympathies to the families. Mike & Marguerite LITTLE My love to the family, your closeness is your strength. Never lose it. There is no need
to say what I feel about the loss. My tears say it all. I miss you, I love you all, and I
hope to see you again soon. Tisha My heart goes out to the family of Mr. John Morris Rankin. His legacy will live on
forever in the hearts and souls of those who knew him and who knew his music. God Bless
his wife and children. Our prayers are with you. HI FROM DICK. SORRY ABOUT JOHN MORRIS!!GOD BLESS Losing someone before their time is such a hard thing. My heart is with all the Rankins
and friends of John Morris. As time goes by the grieving my subside but there will always
be a hole left where John Morris belongs. We will also have fond memories, as well many
great cd's, of his great talent: an inspiration to us all. Great site Kimberly. I hope you
can keep it up for the long term. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Rankin Family now. John Morris will be
greatly missed. God Bless Lisa Colson My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the family of John Morris. I met him at the Copps
Colliseum on Oct.21st at the farewell concert in the dressing room and two days later in
Mississauga at the Army/Navy Club with Howie Mac Donald. He was so kind& polite to us
even though we bothered him for autographs and had our pictures taken with him and Howie.
He somehow seemed to know it meant a lot to us as displaced Capers to touch base with our
culture. I lost my wife ,who would have also been 40yrs.old to cancer in1991 and was left
with two young girls. We went through our share of grief but met a lovely woman and
remarried and life is good again. So I hope you know that the road ahead is rough but as
long as you have the love of family & friends there is light at the end of the tunnel.
It really helps to talk and share your grief with others who care. Sure wish you the best.
Lots of love, Jake We were very sad to hear of the loss of John Morris, our thoughts are with the family
and his friends. Hearing John play was always a moving experience when we saw him in
concert. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you. We are very to hear of the loss of John Morris, our thoughts are with the family and
his friends. Hearing John play was always a moving experience when we saw him in concert.
He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathies to the Rankin family members and John Morris' friends and our
friends ande relatives in Mabou and Inverness. My prayers and thoughts are with you at
this very difficult time. We have lost a great musician, a terrific family man and a true
gift from Cape Breton to the world. John Morris, you will be forever missed. Fare Thee
Well... Such a tragic loss for the Rankin family, the extended Cape Breton family, and the
music world. As long as John Morris and his music are held in the hearts of those who
cared about him, he will never be truly lost to them. The hearts of so many have been saddened by the passing of John Rankin. My partner
Allison and I send our condolences to the Rankin family. What a legacy to leave the world,
that he was admired and loved by all. Our souls have been touched by the music and
personalities the Rankins shared with us over the years. Thank you. May God Bless you and
keep you in your time of grief. My heart sank with sorrow when I heard the awful news. John Morris was a gifted
musician, wonderful and kind-hearted fellow. It's a shame he had to go so soon. He is one
of my heros and I'll never forget his voice and his music which poored out of his soul.
Rest in Peace John Morris, and may God hold you in the palm of His hand. My deepest
sympathy goes out to all of John Morris's Family and friends. I am so sorry to hear the sad news and as a member of the regular Newfie Chat Room on
AOL, I wish to extend heartfelt sympathy to all the family. To the family of John Morris Rankin: I know from a similar personal experience that no
words can sooth the pain you are in. Instead of my words my family and I send out love,
carried to you by our Angel (my sister Lisa). He is with you! You are in our prayers. The
Dumais (formerly of Manitouwadge). I still can't believe that we will never hear the wonderful music of John Morris Rankin
again. I was absolutely devastated when I heard that he had been killed in a senseless car
accident. If the road crews had been doing their job, the accident may not have happened!
I had the opportunity to see The Rankin Family perform live twice. They were the best
concerts I have ever seen! My deepest condolences and thoughts and prayers go out to the
entire family. Yesterday i have read via mail from Kimberley over the tragic death of John Morris
Rankin. Since i've listen for the first time a song of the Rankins there's allways a CD
with their Music near by me for to cheer up during bad times. It is a great loss for all
Rankin fans. My deepest sympathy goes to his wife, the children and the Rankin families.
And thank you for the wonderful music John Morris. We extend our condolences to the Rankin Family for their loss. John Morris was truly a
gifted musician and lovely man. Fare Thee Well.... Rest In Peace, John Morris. Your music will live ... I would just like to pass on my deepest sympathy for the Rankin family. They are a very
important part of our culture and to the history of music in Nova scotia. I never met John
Morris but it was easy to see just by watching his demeanor he was very humble and
genuine. His loss is a loss to many I've had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy a few times
with mt brother Scott and i always found him friendly and my deepest sympathy to him and
the rest of the family. God bless him. It is a tragedy to hear that the beloved John Morris, has passed away. I was shocked to
hear the extremely sad news. I had become more of a Rankin fan when I met my close friend,
Missy. She showed me what it is to be a true fan, and I thank her for it everyday. I want
to send out my condolences to all the true fans, friends, and family members who held John
Morris in their hearts, and I pray that they will hold him there forever, for he was an
amazing musiscian, and should always be remembered. Sincerely, Marilyn Power Why did this have to happen to such a great man? His music inspired me. Ever since I
saw John Morris playing that Ingonish jig on piano, I knew he was my favourite and that's
when I got hooked to The Rankins.Please prey for John Morris,remember him and his music in
your hearts. I will never forget John Morris Rankin. Two Years ago my friend Julie Grant invited me to her house in Halifax, N.S. That was a
great experiance for me, because I had never been to Canada before. She already had told
me about the Rankin Family and we even performed on my highschool with 'Fare thee well
love'. Julie's mom Sharon send me the news of John's death. I want you to know I pray for
you people and will ask God to give you strenght. Most sincerely Maaike Faber. 19-Years .
The Netherlands. Sincerest Sympathy to The family of JOHN MORRIS. We will be watching.Our prayers are
with you in these troubled times. Ceilidh on John Morris. Deepest sympathy in this disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with you. A new star
will shine in heaven. God bless all of you. Barb Ryan I don't know what to say.....my heart aches for the pain the Rankin Family is going
through at this time. John Morris was a very talented musician and songwriter as well as a
wonderful human being. He will be missed by his family, friends and the many fans of his
music. May God give us all the strength to accept this. Take Care John Morris, you will be
missed so very much by us all! Sincerely, Sandee Morris (MacAskill) I am from Nova Scotia
myself, having spent many summers of my childhood in Cape Breton........ I will miss John Morris very much. My deepest condolences go to him and all my other
cousins. Me and the family will never forget because he was such a nice guy. If ppl knew
how to clean the roads properly and not leave 1 foot high piles of salt on the road my
cousin would still be alive. Nova Scotia is horrible for road conditions and something
should be done!!!! if u feel this way i think u should speak out against the Nova Scotian
Government like i am preparing to do. later John. unfortuneately we can't talk until we
meet in heaven. the tragic news of the death of John Morris Rankin has saddened me deeply...I am
Canadian but live in Australia....but I always felt the Rankins to be part of my country's
heritage....my condolences go out to his family...and my prayers are with them... We send our prayers and condolences to the family of John Morris Rankin. "Fare
Thee Well John Morris". Our prayers go to the family of John Morris Rankin. "Fare Thee Well John Morris. The music world has lost a fine gentleman. John Morris, a very tallented man who
touched the lives of many...may you find peace in your place of rest, a song in your heart
and a fiddle in your hand. Play on, for we will always listen. In addition to contributing superb musicianship on all of the Rankin recordings, John
wrote two of their best songs: "Eyes of Margaret" and "Blue Eyed
Suzie", both from the "Endless Seasons" CD. Thank you John for your
contributions to music that will never be forgotten. Thank you John for being a part of
all of our lives. As the song "Eyes of Margaret" fades out with its familiar
"...and its na na na na na na na..." I grieve for John and his family and
friends. I wuld like to send out my deepest condolences to the Rankin family and the friends of
the Rankins. John was a wonderful man and a superb musician. He will be missed by his
family, friends and his fans. This is a great loss to the music industry of Canada, and as
well of the world. Thank you very much for everything John. We will all miss you. Thanks! I truly loved the Rankin music and could relate to it. I found it very soothing and
relaxing to listen to and feel that we have lost a great musician. My sympathies to his
family and friends. MAY THE SOUL OF JOHN MORRIS RANKIN HAVE ETERNAL REST!!MAY HIS FIDDLE NEVER GO OUT OF
TUNE!!SEE YOU IN HEAVEN JOHN! My Sympathies to the Rankin family on the loss of Brother John Morris "Fair Thee
Well John Morris" Website beautiful, and sorrow to not hear his beautiful voice again. My deepest sympathies to the Rankin family members and John Morris' friends at this
time of devastating loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult
time. We have lost a great musician, a terrific family man and a true gift from Nova Sotia
to the world. John Morris, you will be forever missed. Fare Thee Well... My most sincere condolences to the Rankin family. As a member of the Canadian
entertainment community, I believe I speak for all when I say we all feel a great loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rankins. My deepest sympathies to the Rankin family and everyone else in Mabou, and beyond.
Ronnie MacMaster, Toronto and Inverness, NS Our deepest sympathy goes out to the John Morris Rankin family. He has been an
excellent musician and an inspiration to us since we are musicians ourselves. We followed
his music everywhere he will be sadly missed, our condolences to the Rankin Family. Our
thoughts and Prayers are with as you are suffering a great loss. Sincerely Felix, Tim
Turrett and family of Kitchener Ontario. Hello I just wanted to express my condolences to the family,and friends of the late
John M. Rankin. It is such a tragic loss not only to the family,friends,fans, but also to
the music industry in Canada. Kind regards Mike McPartland My heart goes out to the family of Mr. John Morris Rankin. I have followed their
successes, attended many concerts, met them personnally, and John always from friendly and
cordial to his fans. When hearing of his tragic passing, I felt as if a member of my own
family had died. This tradegy was so unfortunate. especially know that he had so many
plans for the future with his wife and children now that he was now longer touring. I will
always remember his comment to the media about how his sisters threatened him about not
speaking up more often. He didn't need to,...his music always spoke out for him, and will
continue to speak for him forever. My condolences to the family at this very difficult time. The music of the Rankins has
touched the lives of many, but from all accounts, the person behind his part of the music
touched all. Sorry to hear about your loss,of such a fine musician,husband,father friend, our
thoughts and prayers are with you from my family to yours..... I am very saddened to hear about the loss of a member og thier family,but keep in your
hearts all the good times and he will live on with each of you as you carry on wit your
music he will always be there with you and proud of all you.HUGS While I'm not a huge Rankin Family fan,I really admired the chemestry the 5 members had
and I really loved some of their songs (I remember the girls doing a duet of "Patio
Lanterns" with Kim Mitchell). What A tragic loss to our country! I just sat there,
staring at my computer in disbelief when I got the news off Great Big Sea's chatline.My
heart truly goes out to the members of the Rankin Family in their time of grief. It is
tragedies like these that teaches us to stop taking things in life for granted. GOD BLESS
JOHN. may his music live on in the hearts of a nation. CHEERS. What a loss - to his friends, fans and mostly his family. And almost ten years to the
day since his father's passing...Ceilidh Revue will miss you, John Morris. May John Morris rest in peace with his mother Kaye and father Buddy May John Morris Rankin rest in peace, the country has truly lost a great person and a
great talent. My condolences to his wife, children and family. The news of John Morris' death shocked and saddened me. What a terrible loss to the
music industry. His toe-tapping fiddling will live on in our home forever. We miss you so
much already John! Our only comfort is that God is enjoying John's brilliance and
gentleness. Our deepest condolences to all the Rankin family. Our hearts and tears are
with you. Tracy, Jamie and Fiona My dedepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out to all the family and friends who
knew Joth Morris. His death today is a great loss to all Maritimers. May the God of Peace
be your strength at this sad time. Boyd I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of John Morris Rankin. He will be greatly
missed. My condolences go out to all his family, friends, and fans alike. God bless. I recently attended the Rankin Sisters Christmas show in Calgary, and so appreciated
the presence of faith in the Christmas season. I am saddened by the family's loss, and
want to sent prayers and sympathy at their time of grief. My sincerest condolences go out to the entire Rankin Family at this time for the tragic
loss of John. My thoughts are with you all. Sometimes it is truly hard to understand why
these things happen. So sorry to hear about the death of John Morris. My heart goes out to the family. I just heard the news about John Morris. I wanted to say that I am really sad to hear
of this terrible loss. He was a great musician and he will be truly missed. Mandy I've just heard the terrible news about John Morris.I know that my sadness will be
shared by thousands of other fans.I had the great pleasure of meeting and talking with him
a few months ago.I'll remember him as a really friendly and gunuine sort of guy and I'll
never forget our meeting for the rest of my life. My deepest sympathy goes out to all his
family,friends and fans the world over. Hi, I was just talking to my friend whose cousin called her to tell her that John
Rankin died this afternoon. What a tragic accident! All of my thoughts and prayers are
with the family. Take Care. We Maratimers have to stick together! xo's, -Kat. The band's sound speaks to something in me - kind of hard to describe. Only the best to
all of the Rankins!! Funny story - my wife's best friend is seeing a gentlemen who
recently visited Cape Breton. He was recounting a story of being IN that area and wanting
to get to one of the Ceilidhs. He met a person who said that he could get a ride with this
person's ride. The ride showed up and it was a member of the extended Rankin clan. ;) kind
of indicative of the area - at least I hope so - My wife and I plan on dragging the whole
family up there in a year or so - after the last child gets a little older they are
Ceilidh, Aiden, and Mairi best wishes I first found The Rankin Family in 1994 by watching the CCMA's on CBC and have been a
true & loyal fan ever since. Its sad to see them disband the group but I suppose
moving on is part of just a part of life!!! I'm just glad I have all their CD's. Best of
Luck to The Rankins and thanks for some great music!!! What a shame that the Rankins will no longer be performing together. I never got to see
them live. Hi folks. Trust me to find a band I like only to discover they've just broken up. I
wish all in the band continued success in their individual endeavours and shall enjoy
listening to their albums which I'm in the process of purchasing! Not bad considering I've
only heard one song! Congratulations to Kimberley on an excellent site and I hope she
continues to keep it running to help newcomers like myself along the path. Good luck Rankins! I'm a long time fan who admires your talents greatly. Good luck in
your future endeavors! |
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