It is with sadness that we report the death of
WTC Rankin on 22 June 2010 at Bebington Christian Nursing Home, his home for the
last 8 years of his life.
Will Rankin or 'Daddy' Rankin, as he became affectionately known, taught Science
at BS from 1935-75 and will be remembered by hundreds of former pupils. He was a
master at the School for exactly forty years, surely one of the longest-serving
teachers in the history of the School. Originally appointed in 1935 to teach
Science at Junior and Middle School levels, he succeeded W E Woodhouse as
Headmaster of Junior School in 1951. His insistence on high standards in and out
of the classroom and his keen involvement in extra-curricular activities
(notably the Christian Union and the Natural History Society) were features of
his time at the School.
He came from Nottingham University with a reputation for rowing, something in
which BS was not involved. However, he made full use of his athletic prowess
with the help he gave to sprinting, hurdling and jumping, and was the organiser
of Junior School Sports for many years. His help with hockey, both as a player
and coach, was given unstintingly over many, many seasons. He even helped with
rugby and cricket, though they were not his forte. Pupils remember that, when he
was umpiring a match and an appeal for lbw went up, he would say 'Sorry, old
chap. I'm afraid I didn't see that one. I just spotted a kestrel (or another
equally interesting specimen).'
He was the presiding genius behind the Natural History Society from 1937 until
his retirement. The Journal of the Natural History Society, which he began in
1945, and which he compiled, typed and saw through the press every year, won
itself a reputation far beyond the walls of the School - at some point, he
received a request from the British Museum for a copy and all back copies.
In the Summer Term of 1951, Will Rankin took over from W E Woodhouse as Head of
Junior School, and perhaps it was in this role he had the most influence over
the boys. Day by day he made them aware of the high standards expected of them,
and day by day he showed them what he meant by the high standards he himself
set. Under his care the boys were taught that Maths, Chemistry, Physics and
Biology were exact sciences and had to be treated as such. After he retired, the
top forms in Junior School were called 'Rankin's'
He devoted himself not only to the academic but also to every other aspect of
School life - he was there on the touchline to cheer his boys on or applauding
from the edge of the cricket field. He sang in the Choral Society, he organised
the diverting `Gromjam' and `Jangrom' exhibitions and took it upon himself to
record School life for posterity on a cine-camera.
Above all, however, WTC Rankin was a devout Christian and believed in the
importance of leading a Christian way of life. This was apparent to all who came
into contact with him At School, this was not reserved just for his preaching in
Chapel at Junior School half-term services, or at larger services in or out of
School, or his Crusader or Christian Union meetings. His beliefs pervaded all
his words and actions throughout his years at School and for the rest of his
life.
