Robert's obituary
Our beloved father, Robert (Bob) James Ranck, Jr., peacefully entered the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, December 11, 2022, just two days before his 79th birthday. Bob was born on December 13, 1943 to Robert Sr. and Burnis Ranck in Stockton, CA. After their mother’s passing, he and his sisters, Georgia and Bonnie, were raised by their devout father and step-mother, Grace Ranck, who are now with the Lord.
In high school, Bob was an exceptional athlete. An album filled with newspaper clippings details his many football achievements and the track and field records he surpassed. We all enjoyed hearing the stories about his time on the field at Pomona High, such as taking first place despite having an injured ankle, or classmates hanging posters encouraging their peers to come out and see “Bobbo Ranck” compete. As exciting as those races were, Bob would ultimately cross the glorious finish line with faithfulness and obedience to the Lord.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Bob had an impressive scholastic career where he attended numerous colleges, including Westmont College, Pepperdine University, UCSB, CSUN and UCLA, resulting in multiple teaching and administrative credentials and a Master’s degree in Education, Administration and Supervision, a minor degree in Psychology, with Magna Cum Laude honor.
At one point while going to college, Bob was working as a Supermarket Manager at Unimart in Burbank, in addition to working as a student teacher in the L.A. Unified School District, followed by a Special Education Teacher at Nora Sterry for 17 years. Serving many roles within L.A. Unified, Bob culminated his career as a Field Coordinator, retiring in 2002. We’ve always known how hard he worked, but only recently discovered the countless letters from colleagues describing Bob’s dependability, professionalism, work ethic, character, and most importantly, his integrity.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
He married his first wife, Erica, in 1962. Together, they had three children, whom they adored: Brian, Bobby, and Tonya. While both remarried, Bob and Erica remained in touch throughout their lives.
In 1974, Bob married his beloved Susan. With Bob’s three children and Sue’s son, Todd, they moved to Thousand Oaks, the place Bob would call “home” for the rest of his life. A few years later, they had three girls: Jami, Jessiey and Joni. After losing Sue to breast cancer, Bob dedicated his life to his children, with the youngest being only 9 years of age. He went on to become an adored grandfather to 17 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Our wonderful father had many accomplishments throughout his life, including academic honors, being a star athlete, maintaining a fulfilling career in the education field, serving at his church, and being a loving friend, neighbor and patriarch of our family. His greatest accomplishment was being a disciple of God, leading all of his children to the Lord. He shared with us the most valuable gift of all: a legacy of faith and an enduring relationship with God.
He was loved and respected by so many. His humility, generous spirit, sense of humor and kind heart left an impression wherever he went. He found a myriad of ways to faithfully and humbly serve others, and espoused the lasting value of a good work ethic that will forever be remembered.
He humbly walked a servant’s path and truly modeled a servant’s heart. God has blessed us with a man of faith, love, patience, kindness and grace. He was abundantly loved and we will continue to honor him throughout our lives.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:23
The Ranck family would love to hear about your fond memories of Bob. Please send them to jonigirvan@gmail.com.
In lieu of sending flowers...A gift can be given in memory of Bob to Bethany Bible Church, attended by the family for many years, or City of Hope, a charity that was close to Bob’s heart, aimed at giving a second chance at life for someone fighting cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Links:Bethany Bible Church: https://bch.breezechms.com/gi…
City of Hope: https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/give/286522#!/donation/checkout