ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ

The passing of Fr Peter Rankin SDB

The Principal of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ has announced the passing of former College Rector, Fr Peter Rankin SDB, on Friday 14 January 2022:

It is with a very heavy heart and deep sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of our much-loved former College Rector and friend Fr Peter Rankin SDB.

Fr Peter died peacefully this morning in Melbourne before 11.00 am at his sister Kathleen’s home in the care of his other sister Mary, a nurse. Fr Bernie Graham had seen him on Sunday before returning to Glenorchy and Peter was well prepared to join our Creator in the Kingdom that awaits us all. We had sent him flowers on behalf of the Dominic community only on Wednesday to bring the essence of summer into the house and for him to draw in the fragrance of God’s creation.

We remember Fr Peter today as a man of courage, deep faith and enduring commitment to children and young people. A true servant of Don Bosco.

Fr Peter was an outstanding priest and Salesian leader in his time at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ. He led with creativity, diligence and humility. His ongoing daily presence with our K-10 students and his development of the Rua Hub were rich expressions of his accompaniment of students.

A talented and creative liturgist, his homilies were always insightful and memorable. He especially ensured the Salesian community were at the forefront of ready and highly active support for the College during our most challenging time of remote teaching & learning and manning our on-site learning in 2020.

For us, Fr Peter had been a model of Don Bosco’s style of friendship, sense of fun and invitational presence to all. His accompaniment of six Dominic staff members to prepare for and enter the Catholic Faith was quite extraordinary.

A life lived to the full and in service to God.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.

A great friend to all in the Dominic family – we give thanks for Fr Peter’s wonderful life.

Beth Gilligan