Weirsdale, Fla. — Clint Rule, age 85, died unexpectedly on the evening of November 14, 2012 at his home in Weirsdale, Fla. He was born on September 9, 1927 to the late Helen (Whiting) and John Rule II.
On February 14, 1947 he was wed to his college sweetheart Mary, with whom he spent 65 years. Together, every day they lived life to the fullest and always were looking towards their next adventure.
Clint graduated from University of Wisconsin with an engineering degree. As an accomplished engineer holding multiple patents, he was instrumental in the development of the GE jet turbine,and was also involved in the GE nuclear submarine design.
As a legendary entrepreneurial industrialist, Clint founded Rule Industries in 1965, specializing in marine products. Rule Industries was a major employer in the Cape Ann area. He later founded Axiom, an optical precision measurement company. He was an active member of the community, including serving as a trustee of Cape Ann Savings Bank for more than 20 years.
Some of his greatest passions were boating and aviation. As such, he was a founding member of Pier 7 Marina in Gloucester, which today is a thriving enterprise. After achieving his pilot’s license at the age of 16 , he remained an active pilot , retiring to an aviation community named Love’s Landing. Clint was flying his Beechcraft Bonanza only two days before his unexpected death.
He is survived by his wife, Mary and his daughter, Patty.
ARRANGEMENTS: There is a memorial service at Byers Funeral Home, Lady Lake, Fla., November 25 from 3-5 p.m.
There will also be a memorial celebration of Clint’s life, Saturday, December 1, 2012, at Pier 7 Marina-Enos Marine, 6 Cripple Cove Lane, Gloucester, 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Villages Regional Hospital, The Villages, Florida
