I actually got a e-mail about the passing of Frank Rudy sometime last week. The words below are from Mark Parker of Nike.
I am saddened to announce that Frank Rudy died last Saturday at his home. He was surrounded by family and close friends.
If you know something about the Nike story, you know that Frank was the man behind Nike Air technology. He took a process that was used for building protective helmets and applied it to the soles of athletic shoes to act as shock absorbers. We weren’t the first shoe company he approached with the idea, but we were the last.
In 1979 the Tailwind became the first Nike shoe to feature Nike Air cushioning. It is now the definitive cushioning system in all of sports.
As an aerospace engineer, Frank had a highly technical mind. But he was also blessed with tremendous creativity and a tenacious nature. In short, he was a perfect partner for Nike. On days like today, we are reminded of the many special people who have contributed so significantly to Nike over the years – few more than Frank Rudy.
In his passing we are diminished. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family