[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF MR. DEREK DUNN-RANKIN

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. ROONEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2016

  Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Mr. Derek Dunn-Rankin, founder and chairman of the Sun Media Group, who 
passed away at his home in Venice, Florida this weekend at the age of 
88.
  Mr. Dunn-Rankin began his newspaper career at age eleven as a 
delivery boy for the Miami News. While attending Rollins College, he 
worked as the editor for the student paper and as the sports editor for 
the Sanford Daily Herald. Following graduation, he returned home and 
took the position of circulation manager at the Miami News before 
becoming a Vice President with Landmark Communications in Norfolk, VA.
  In 1977, Mr. Dunn-Rankin left Landmark Communications to start his 
own company in Venice, Florida. Derek began by purchasing the Venice 
Gondolier and within three years, the small newspaper was winning 
awards at the state level. His next endeavor was purchasing the 
Charlotte Sun in 1979, a small tabloid with four employees. By 1987, 
thanks to Mr. Dunn-Rankin's business savvy, the Sun had become a daily 
publication and was one of the fastest growing daily papers in the 
country. Today, Sun Media Group employs over 350 people, produces 
printed publications in seven areas and has twice received national 
recognition for its online publication.
  In addition to his pioneering work in news media, Mr. Dunn-Rankin was 
a cornerstone of the Charlotte County community. Following the 
devastation of Hurricanes Charley and Ivan in 2004, many residents were 
forced to leave their homes and most were left without power, phones or 
any viable means of communication. Derek took it upon himself to help 
his community through this extremely challenging time. The Charlotte 
Sun distributed free newspapers in order to keep people in the 
community informed amidst the chaos. His telephone company also set up 
emergency call centers for residents to call loved ones and reach out 
to FEMA for assistance. Mr. Dunn-Rankin's tireless devotion to the 
people of Charlotte County during this disaster speaks volumes to his 
benevolent nature.
  Mr. Dunn-Rankin's continuous dedication to growing the community did 
not go unnoticed. The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce named him 
the ``Pacesetter of the Year'' in 1995 and the Cultural Center awarded 
him their ``Citizen of the Year'' in 2003 for his decades of service to 
the community. He will be sorely missed but his efforts will continue 
to have a positive impact on the community for years to come. Derek is 
survived by his loving wife Betty, his daughter Debbie and his four 
sons, Peter, David, Jeff and Mike.
  Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Dunn-Rankin's 
family and the entire community as they mourn his passing. He will be 
greatly missed.

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