The Darien Times

Obituary: Colin Alexander Rankine, 47, former Darien resident worked in IT

Written by The Darien Times
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 03:21 PM

Colin Alexander Rankine, an information technology expert who recently moved from Darien, died on Sunday, Dec. 11. Mr. Rankine, 47, was the husband of Dawn Rankine.

Mr. Rankine was born in 1963 and spent the early years of his life in New York and Massachusetts. His family moved to Westport in 1967 where he went through the Westport school system, graduating from Staples High School in 1981.

 

After attending Duke University, Mr. Rankine graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1985. He also earned an master's degree in finance and international business from New York University, where he was one of only two candidates awarded recognition as a Stern Scholar for Academic Excellence.

In 1989, Mr. Rankine married Dawn Sesto, his wife of 22 years. Together they raised three beautiful children — son Alex and daughters Emily and Heather. The family lived in Darien where they were active in the community sports and the Darien High School theater and arts programs. They recently relocated to Ridgefield.

Mr. Rankine had a 12-year career with IBM in technical marketing and consulting, as well as senior management positions with GIGA Information Group and Forrester Research where he served as vice president of the computing infrastructures group. With more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Rankine most recently joined Pace Harmon as a senior associate specializing in complex IT outsourcing.

"Colin was never happier than when he was spending time with his family and friends," his family said. "His greatest prides in life were his children and their many accomplishments. He was an avid sailor and very loyal to his alma mater, Duke, rarely missing an opportunity to watch the Blue Devils win many NCAA championships. His kind, generous nature and sharp wit was endearing to all who knew him and will long be remembered."

In addition to his immediate family, Mr. Rankine is survived by his two sisters, Jennifer Rankine Wehmhoff of Westport and Joan Rankine Harrison of Stamford; four nieces and nephews and a large, extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents, L. John and J. Elaine Rankine of Westport.

Services will take place at Green's Farms Congregational Church in Westport on Friday, Dec. 30, at 11, followed by a reception for friends in celebration of Mr. Rankine's life. Burial will be a private family service held at a separate time at Evergreen Cemetery in Westport.

Memorial donations be made to Norwalk Hospital Foundation (Cardiac Care Unit), 34 Maple St., Norwalk, CT 06856; or to Duke University, c/o Ms. Pam Hanson, Pratt School of Engineering, Box 90271, Durham, NC 27708.

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