John Rankin, a senior project manager with Vincent Lighting, died in car accident May 9, 2007. He was preparing for a trip home to Omaha, Nebraska to celebrate the high school graduation of his nephew.

Mr. Rankin earned a BFA from North Carolina School of the Arts and worked at several regional theatre companies including the Youngstown Playhouse and Playhouse in the Square in Memphis, Tennessee. He was with Vincent Lighting for 14 years where he designed and managed the installation of many theatrical lighting control systems in the Great Lakes region.

Mr. Rankin often volunteered and donated to Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation, a local animal rescue shelter.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Wallace and Glenna Sue Rankin; sisters Mary Cutter, Margaret Gatchell, Patty Childs, and Julie Sullens; and 12 nephews and nieces.

"The entire Vincent Lighting family is grieving the premature loss of our beloved friend. His spirit will live on in their hearts," officials at the company stated. "John was a kind, compassionate and thoughtful individual who was always be willing to lend a hand or his heart… Even in death, he chose to benefit others by donating his organs.

"John was a kind, compassionate and thoughtful individual who would always be willing to lend a hand or his heart. His compassionate spirit was not limited to human beings, and he often volunteered and donated to Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation, a local animal rescue shelter.

"Those who knew John could attest to his avid love of sports. His heart and undying loyalty belonged to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, having been born and raised in Omaha. However, John readily adopted all Cleveland sports teams."

Letters of condolences may be sent to: Wallace Rankin, 4324 East Morrow Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85050. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John Rankin's memory to: Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation, PO Box 94143, Cleveland, OH 44101.

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