Obituary: Former rotary president and round table member David Rankin

He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer some 18 months ago and had been bedridden for the last few weeks of his life. He was 68.

After leaving school, David trained as a confectionery baker.

He later enrolled as a student at the Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

This led him to enter into the business world, selling office equipment and accessories.

He rose to become a leading company director and, following retirement, he passed on his experience as a lecturer in business studies at Fife College and Elmwood College, Cupar.

David’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, David 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

The commitment he showed at District level led to increased responsibility and his eventual election to the post of Governor of the largest Rotary district in the United Kingdom.

David and his wife, Rita, entered wholeheartedly into the busy life of supporting the 90 Rotary Clubs ranged throughout the area from Fife’s Firth of Forth shore right up to the Shetland Islands and west to the Hebrides.

Among his many other interests, David played drums and was the vocalist in a dance band for many years.

His knowledge and interest of music was extensive.

David was a staunch supporter of the Frisson Foundation, a charity with the aim of getting Scotland’s children singing.

He also had a passion for military aircraft and here, too, he was well-versed in the historical detail of the Royal Air Force in particular.

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