Howe of Fife Rotary Club past president David Rankin, 68

Family and friends have paid tribute to David Rankin, a past president of Howe of Fife Rotary Club, who has died aged 68.

Mr Rankin was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer 18 months ago.

After leaving school, he trained as a confectionery baker and later enrolled as a student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

He entered the business world selling office equipment and accessories, rising to become a leading company director.

Following retirement, he passed on his experience as a lecturer in business studies at Fife College and Elmwood College, Cupar.

Mr Rankin’s charitable activities started as a member of Leven Round Table, of which he later was president.

He then moved on to join Rotary International in the Howe of Fife club.

He was a prime mover in the early days of the Howe of Fife and helped to build it into the cohesive unit it is today.

He became the 11th president of the club in July 2000 and was at the helm for the charter dinner later that year to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary. Following his tenure as club president, Mr Rankin offered his services to the wider Rotary community at North of Scotland District level.

As an assistant governor he became involved with Rotary’s popular primary school quiz and was instrumental in establishing a Scotland-wide final of the competition held at the Stirling University campus.

He also encouraged older children to aspire to be leaders in business through his involvement with Rotary Challenge Enterprise.

Among his many other interests he played drums and vocals in a dance band for many years and also had a passion for military aircraft.

Mr Rankin is survived by his wife Rita, daughter Caroline, son David and grandchildren Victoria, Kirsty and Peter.

David Rankin.