Obituary of Colin Alexander Rankine

Colin Alexander Rankine died peacefully on December 11 at the age of 47. Colin 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, Colin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering '85. He also earned an M.B.A. 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, Colin married Dawn Sesto, his beloved wife of 22 years. Together they raised three beautiful children son Alex and daughters Emily and Heather. The family resided in Darien where they were active in the community sports and the Darien High School Theater & Arts programs. They recently relocated to their new home in Ridgefield, CT. Colin's career enjoyed 12 years with IBM in technical marketing and consulting, as well as senior management positions with GIGA Information Group and Forrester Research where he served as VP of the Computing Infrastructures Group. With more than 20 years of experience, Colin most recently joined Pace Harmon as Senior Associate specializing in complex IT outsourcing. Colin was never happier than when he was spending time with his family and friends. 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 their 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, Colin is survived by his two sisters, Jennifer Rankine Wehmhoff of Westport and Joan Rankine Harrison of Stamford. He also leaves behind four nieces and nephews and a large, loving extended family. Colin 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 at 11:00 am on Friday, December 30th, followed by a reception for friends in celebration of Colin's life. Interment will be a private family service held at a separate time at Evergreen Cemetery in Westport. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: Norwalk Hospital Foundation (mark for Cardiac Care Unit) 34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06856 or to: Duke University c/o Ms. Pam Hanson Duke University Pratt School of Engineering Box 90271, Durham, NC 27708 Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820