In loving memory of Blake Fenton Rankin | Passages

March 24, 1948 – February 22, 2026

Blake Fenton Rankin was born in Long Beach, California, and came of age in the 1960’s, where he developed a lifelong love of European cars, the music of Bob Dylan, and words; as he delighted in crafting verbiage. He studied mathematics at UCLA, a discipline that reflected his naturally analytical and curious mind.

In the 1970’s, Blake’s entrepreneurial spirit took root when he and his close cohorts founded one of the first natural food stores on Vancouver Island, BC. His commitment to health thru diet continued in Seattle with the creation of Janus Natural Foods, an early natural foods wholesaler in the Pacific Northwest. His deep interest in macrobiotics, oriental medicine, and calligraphy then led him to Japan, where he worked in import/export at Mitoku Co. and developed a lasting connection to Japanese culture.

The 1980’s marked another significant milestone with the founding of Granum, Inc., a company dedicated to distributing organic and macrobiotic Japanese foods. Under his leadership, Granum went on to develop Choice Organic Teas, the first certified organic and fair trade tea brand in the United States.

Blake’s passion for sustainability found a personal expression in the 1990’s when he built a solar and wind-powered straw bale home on Lopez Island. Over the course of 25 years, he planted and nurtured a legacy. The largest groves of Garry oaks in the San Juan Islands from acorns.

In later years, Blake spent winters in Mexico, enjoying time in the sun, playing his Tom Anderson guitars, and embracing his competitive side on the pickleball court. He lived life on his own terms, guided by independence and love.

Blake is survived by his children, John, Kiyomi, and Addison; his four grandchildren; his former spouses, Yoko and Nancy; and his partner Joyce.

He is deeply missed.