Condolence: Long ago when we first bought a tired old house I went "up ta" Rankins to get materials for a roof-raising. It was Saturday afternoon near closing time. Frank took me around and helped me make a list of what I needed despite all the other things he must've had to do. As I was freighted up & pulling out he called me aside and pointed to a spot on where he told me if I needed anything on Sunday, here's where the key is, help myself and catch up with him later next week. What hardware store would do that? I became and still am and always will be a loyal customer. He was also the first to give me credit when I was starting my company when I had not much to offer in the way of references. One of the best role models of the best of humankind I've met. Rest in Peace.

Condolence: Lisa and Lenity, What a wonderful tribute and send-off for your dad today. He has, for a long time, been at the top of my list of the finest people I have ever known. The love and respect for him was so beautifully apparent at the service. I feel honored to have known your dad.

Condolence: Lisa and Lenity, big hugs and kisses to you both. So sorry for your loss and the emotional roller coaster it brings. It is never easy to see our parents pass on, but sounds like he was very active to nearly the end. He was strong stitching in the fabric of Camden as we, who grew up there, can share the knowing nod. I'm sure our Moms greeted him warmly as he crossed over to join the others of the Camden core. While not able to attend the service, please find comfort in how much I admired your Dad. He was good people and his best qualities are passed onto you both. With love and fond family memories, Jim

Condolence: Although I knew Camden from working here as a kid from away, I didn't meet Frank until 20 years ago after I bought a house here. Although I hadn't moved in yet, I was making long trips here from CT, to haul stuff up here before my CT house was sold. For one such trip in late fall I had dug up some small trees and shrubs to transplant in Camden before the weather turned. I needed some mulch and related material to dig the plants in before leaving for Ct that night, and went to Rankins late in the day to get the mulch etc. Turned out that they were out of mulch, but on my asking where I could find some and explaining my time limits, Frank, without hesitation asked me how much did I need, and then said " Look, I.ve got a pile sitting up in my back yard, and you just go up there and take what you need, and we'll figure things out whenever you get back up here'. A good businessman, but more important, a fine man, perceptive and empathetic, and a conveyor of trust and of a sincere unforced willingness to help others. After that first meeting, I didn't see Frank for many weeks, but when I finally did, he immediately greeted me by name, and I have had the pleasure of his acquaintance and our mutual greetings in the store or around town all these years since then. Frank was an enrichment to Camden and to so many people, including myself.

Condolence: My earliest memories of Rankin’s Hardware are from the 70’s, when Frank’s mom and dad were still working there and I was an aspiring carpenter in my 20’s. I barely knew which end of the hammer was which, and I had zero credit history to rely on. Knowing that I had to start somewhere in order to build credit, I asked Frank if I could start an charge account there at the store. I remember the long, considered look he gave me before allowing that he’d give me an account. It felt like a real vote of confidence for a young fellow who didn’t have much, and I’ve always been grateful to Frank for giving me a positive boost in my early adult life. I’ve figured out which end of the hammer is which by now, and I still enjoy walking into Rankin’s for all sorts of different commodities and the advice I get from the crew that works there. I’ll miss greeting Frank as he made his way around the aisles, and I send my condolences to Lisa and the family, as well as the crew at the store. He was a good man.

Condolence: After we moved to Camden in 1979, the first hardware store I visited was Rankin's. Frank helped me to find what I was looking for and pointed out several options that he had in stock. He was one of the nicest people I had met in the area. I became a dedicated Rankin's customer from that moment. I've always enjoyed talking construction with Frank, as he was one of my key go-to guys. Frank was the best hardware and building personality around. My wife and I were first made aware of Frank's passing from a communication from our daughter in Chicago. When she was three years old she played contractor, wielding a 16-oz. Estwing hammer while wearing a RANKIN's INC. nail apron. We will miss Frank.

Condolence: Dear Lenity and Lisa, So sorry to hear about your beloved dad. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful man this community has lost- he will be dearly missed. My condolences to you and your family, Patty Libby

Condolence: Lisa: Sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a special gentleman and will certainly be missed at the store. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Condolence: Frank was an inspiring man in a most humble and quiet way. Whenever I asked Frank for help with anything I needed in the store he would stay with me until he found it or a substitute. His advice was always clear and direct and his demeanor never overbearing or condescending. Truly a gentle spirit. Once I sent my wife to get a replacement for something I had botched and upon hearing about what I had done Frank asked her "Did he talk to God"? I knew what he meant and yes I had "talked' to God but not in friendly way as he well knew I'm sure. I still chuckle when I think of that. Tonight though, my talk with God is to ask that I can be more kind, generous, humble and devoted - like Frank was.

Condolence: Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence: Frank Rankin was, and still is, a very important person in my life. My oldest memory of Rankin's is when the grain truck would show up at Cripp's Dairy in Simonton's Corner in the late 1950s. Hard work and attentive customer service was not lost on a five year old. Fast forward to the 1970s and 80s when I helped my brother create Peter Ott's Steak House and to the early days of Sam Smith and I starting Smith and May Masonry - Rankin's and Frank were always there to help us get what we needed. For young builders to get into the back office and have Frank pick up the phone and go to work on our behalf meant so much. He would get some supplier on the other end of the phone, after having pawed through his numerous Rolodexes, and say, "Rankin's here, I got some fellas who need something you have and I need it now"! He always had our back and he did it with such determination and competence and grace. I learned so much from Frank and will always be grateful for his mentorship. I love you, Frank!!

Condolence: Frank was a true gentleman and very fair businessman. He was one of the first accounts I called on back in 1989 when our company first came to Maine. He always welcomed you whether or not he was busy with other things going on. He was a interesting man and I enjoyed listening to some of his tales. The world was blessed with his presence. He will not be forgotten.

Condolence: Never was a finer man created on this planet than Frank. Loving husband, father, friend and benefactor. I had the privilege and honor to know him for 32 years. He was the salt of the earth and a product of a bygone era where the golden rule was first and foremost. His deep soft voice and appreciation of a good story will be sorely missed. I'll miss you immensely Ole Thumper. Heaven needed a Frank to keep it running smoothly. All my love, Steve "Rankin" Larrabee

Condolence: About ten years ago, I took my oldest grandson to Rankins as I wanted him to see what hardware stores of my youth looked like compared to the "big box" monsters of today. Frank Rankin was working the floor that day and he was most generous in explaining where things were and how they were sold. At the end of the visit, he reached in a keg of nails, pulled out one huge nail and gave it to my grandson. On a recent visit family visit my grandson, now 19 years old, pulled that nail from his desk and we reflected on our Rankins experience all those years ago. Here's hoping that Rankins never changes. Thanks Frank for being a part of both the first experience and the reflection that followed. Frank Burtnett Rockport, Maine

Condolence: The Commander, Officers and fellow comrades of Frank's at Post 30 extend their heartfelt condolences to the extended Rankin family. We stand ready to assist you if your should require anything. Rest in Peace Frank and thank you for your service to our great country.

Condolence: We are so sorry to learn of Frank's death. Our son Eliot and Frank's grandson Michael were good buddies all throughout school and Lisa, Steve, and Melissa good friends to our family. We heard lots of fun stories about Grandpa Frank! We were impressed how long Frank continued to work at the hardware store and loved that he was one responsible in getting the star lit on top of Mt. Battie every Christmas season. It is hard to lose a parent, no matter how old we are. We want Frank's family to know we are thinking of them and send them our love and sympathy.