Raylene Rankin, We Thank You.

This is the season
of  Celtic Colours celebrated
on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.

While  fall colours blaze
 their glory Cape Bretoners
 remember their rich heritage and
celebrate their Scottish language, culture,
dancing and especially their music.



In Mabou, Cape Breton, the land
of my Beaton ancestors on my mom's side,
the celebrations have been dampened
this week, not by the weather but by
the loss of one of their own, Raylene Rankin,

Raylene Rankin
1960-2012

A great singer and member
of the famous Rankin Family from Mabou,
Cape Breton, Raylene died after a long
battle with breast cancer at age 52,
leaving behind a legacy of music,
her husband, her 14 yr. old son and
family and friends scattered far and wide.

Raylene has moved on but
her wish was granted.

If my time could end perfectly
I know where I'd want it to be
God's gift of heaven
would be made up of three
My love, Cape Breton and me.
                    Bob Quinn

Raylene  finally came 
 to rest at home in Cape Breton.

\
October is also the month
we are reminded that
breast cancer is still
among us.  We remember                              
our mothers, grandmothers,
sisters, sister-in-laws,
 aunts, cousins, friends
 who have died too young and who
have survived.

We remember Raylene.

Fare The Well Raylene,

Fare thee well, love, 
Fare thee well, love,
Far away, you must go.
Take your heart, love,
Take you heart, love,
Will we never meet, again no more?
Will we never meet, again no more? 


We will meet you again and again
in your voice, your music, your spirit.
Thank you for singing your song.