Paul D. Rank, 76

Paul D. Rank, 76, passed away peacefully in his Vancouver, Wash., home on July 20, 2009. He was born July 11, 1933, on Bozeman Hill in the small community of Muir, Park County, Mont., the son of Joseph and Nancy Rank.

He was the fifth of five children, and went to school in a one-room schoolhouse in Muir. He finished school in Livingston, and served, during his senior year, in the Army National Guard Montana. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952 after graduating from Park County High School.

He served his country in the Korean War and trained in the Air Weather Service. He was honorably discharged as Airman First Class from the 9th Weather Group in November 1956. He made a career in the U.S. Weather Service working in Utah, Nevada and Montana, retiring as station chief in Kalispell in 1989.

In 1957, while working in Salt Lake City, and attending Westminster College and the University of Utah, he met Claire Ann McGhie. They married in 1958 and enjoyed over 51 years of companionship. He and Claire loved to travel and made lifelong friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father; two brothers, Albert and John; and two sisters, Ethel and Mary.

He is survived by his loving wife; his sons, Joseph and Maria, and Kevin and Jennifer; daughter, Cheryl, and Rhen; and nine grandchildren, ranging from one week to 19 years of age. He is also survived by his nephews, Michael and Gary O'Brian; and niece, Linda Tang.

A graveside service will be held Aug. 1 in Centerville, Utah.