News

Ruedi Rüegg 4.8.1936 - 14.10.2011

31 October 2011

Word reaches us today announcing the sad news of Ruedi Rüegg's passing.

Ruedi, a outstandingly gifted designer, had exceptional educational
credentials, from Design School Zurich to Nippon Design Center to Paul Rand.
His office Designalltag was a beacon of Swiss Design, serving clients who
ranged from Zurich Airport to SwissMail to Westinghouse. In many ways, the
most impressive aspect of his practice emanated from his attitude. Neither
brash nor stylish, always honest and to the point, he exemplified Swiss
design at its best, with a truly international touch.

Beside his family and profession he had a great love for AGI. Ruedi served
as International Secretary from 1996-2000. He fulfilled his function by
bringing to the equation a unique understanding, at the same time powerful
and demure. In 2000 he was awarded the first ³AGI Henry². And rightfully so.

Ruedi suffered from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) an illness which is
difficult to understand and even tougher to accept and live with. Ruedi was
a giant in how he dealt with such a burden. His wife Anni and his children
supported him in every way. While his health became increasingly frail, his
mind and natural enthusiasm remained impressive and strong.

I last saw Ruedi and Anni a few weeks ago. I found him in excellent spirits,
still at work in his beautiful studio in Feldbach. His body was clearly
growing weaker but, his wonderful designer mind still looked toward the
future. At that meeting, Ruedi gave me a copy of his penultimate book
³Spuren 2 (Tracks 2)². Ruedi, Anni, my wife Ilse and I shared a glass of
wine together.

I recall so many good times with Ruedi, in all four corners of the world. In
my mind I remember one particular canoe trip in Northern Canada, perhaps
thirty years ago, in the dark days before cell phones! The two land bobbers
paddled off into the wilderness, the breeze behind us, easy enough on the
way out, near impossible as we struggled to get back against the wind. We
almost didn¹t make it. However, Ruedi¹s natural determination carried us,
like in life or in design. Afterward, we congratulated each other on the
dock.

Dear Ruedi, a truly wonderful human being, you are already missed, and so
well remembered.
We send all the very best to your wife Anni, children and grandchildren.

Fritz Gottschalk
Zurich, 19/10/11