THUNDER BAY – One of Taylor Rankin’s best friends thinks he would have really liked Dylan Robert.
Rankin, who died three years ago at age 26 while leaping off a cliff in Jamaica, was the life of the classroom during his school days, the kind of guy who always had a smile on his face and made time for everyone.
Thirteen-year-old Dylan, a Grade 8 student at Agnew H. Johnston Public School, is a lot like Rankin, and is the main reason why the youngster on Friday was named the recipient of the third annual Taylor Rankin Memorial Snowboard Fund.
Though shy and unassuming, teacher Mark Poole, a long-time friend of Rankin’s, said Dylan is just the type of student they were looking for when the award was first initiated.
“Dylan is a great student. He’s a good friend. He makes others around him happy and he really deserves this award because he loves the outdoors, just like Taylor Rankin did,” Poole said.
“I remember the way Taylor used to make everybody smile and laugh and how much time he loved spending at the (ski) hill with his friends and family. We all could learn a thing or two from his attitude and his outlook on life, so we gave it to an enthusiastic, fun-loving guy.”
In addition to the recognition, Dylan will receive a membership and snowboard lesson package from Loch Lomond Ski Area and a complete gear rental package from the Skihaus. The fund will provide the outerwear and a helmet.
Dylan, who has never gone snowboarding in the past, is stoked to give it a try.
As for the award, it’s just Dylan being Dylan.
“It means to be a big friend and to always smile and make others smile,” he said. “Just always be happy.”
Rankin’s sister Caleigh said the award is a great way to keep her brother in the thoughts of his friends and family, while also giving back to the community.
“We all miss him very much and this is an amazing way to keep his memory alive,” she said.
