Michael James Rankin Sr.'s Obituary
In loving memory,
09/07/1956 - 05/15/2021
Mike Rankin Sr. was a true Tacoma legend and the effect he had on his local community will be felt for generations to come.
Born in France in 1956, Mike was destined for a life of adventure. Adopted shortly after birth by Perry and Beula Rankin, Mike was quickly accepted with open arms and love by his new family in Tacoma Washington. However life was never easy, he lost both of his parents at a young age which was exceptionally difficult and very hard on him. Mike was forced to grow up quickly. In his early teens & 20’s he hustled from job to job to make ends meet working at establishments such as Dairy Queen, Foreman & Clark, Remann Hall, and Floreshimes Shoes. Out in the work field Mike became privy to the fact that he had what the french call a certain, "je ne sais quoi” that gave him a special advantage in all aspects of his life. Caring, charismatic, and optimistic, everyone seemed to love Mike.
By the time he was in his late 20’s Mike was off and running, opening businesses like Personal Touch Auto Detailing and employing friends (which seemed to be half the town) and often letting his less fortunate employees stay at his own home. From Personal Touch Mike was hired at Boeing which provided more stability but with the presence of a boss telling him what to do and when to go, that was short lived. With kids to feed and bills to be paid Mike went back on the grind, eventually testing his luck in Real Estate where he seemed to flourish almost overnight. In the later part of his 27 plus year Real Estate career, Mike went on to run Ocean Pacific Realty which was the largest minority owned Real Estate Brokerage in Pierce County. With his sons working alongside him, they often trumped the statistics of some of the most well known brokerages in the entire state during that time.
In Mike's later years health became his primary focus. He gave up smoking and stress and decided to pick up exercising and running instead. A lot of running, often competing in 26 mile marathons and duathlons. Mike became a youth leader and an inspiration to so many in the community both young and old. Along his health journey, he often volunteered to speak at non smoking events and inspired others to keep going.
In 2012 Mike married the love of his life Denise, who was by his side for 14 years up until his very last breath. Those who knew Mike during this time would agree that he was the happiest he'd ever been with her in his presence.
Unfortunately, Mike was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2018 which was a devastating blow to both him and his entire family. Denise quickly became his crutch and most of his family became his support team. Mike fought hard and amazed doctors along the way, often leaving physicians and oncologists scratching their heads out of amazement of how a person in his condition could be so active, healthy, and positive through such intense treatments. But after a three year battle, even Mike eventually succumbed to his diagnosis.
If you know Mike, you know that he loved his kids very much. Loleatha, Edward, Michael Jr., Matthew, Adrianna, James, and Brooklyn are all left to carry on their father's legacy.
Mike loved to vacation, laugh, joke, listen to music, drive fast cars, and live life to its absolute fullest. So in true Mike Rankin fashion lets celebrate his life well lived.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. Maximum capacity restrictions are in place for the chapel services of Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
A livestream webcast link of the service is available on the tribute wall, or the link provided below.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/54298/hash:622BBE766EDE495D
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?
