Frederick Gale Ruffner Jr.

Frederick Gale Ruffner Jr. (August 26, 1926 – August 13, 2014) was an American publisher who is known as the founder of Gale Research.

Frederick Gale Ruffner Jr.
Born(1926-08-26)August 26, 1926
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
DiedAugust 12, 2014(2014-08-12) (aged 87)
NationalityAmerican
Alma materOhio State University[1]
OccupationPublisher
Known forFounder of Gale Research
Notable workEncyclopedia of Associations
SpouseMary Evans Ruffner
Children
  • Frederick G. Ruffner, III
  • Peter E. Ruffner

He died August 12, 2014, at the age of 87.[1][2][3][4]

Publishing career

Ruffner founded Gale Research in 1954 while working as a market researcher for the General Detroit Corporation,[5] a manufacturer of fire extinguishers and fire trucks.

Early Gale publications included the National Directory of Rack Jobbers[6] and the National Directory of Trading Stamp Houses[7]

His first major success was the Encyclopedia of Associations, (originally titled the Encyclopedia of American Associations) in 1956.[8] Beginning with the third edition, the title was changed to the Encyclopedia of Associations.[9]

Other major publications included Contemporary Authors and the Dictionary of Literary Biography.

Ruffner sold Gale to Thomson in 1985.[10]

In 1985, Ruffner founded the publishing company Omnigraphics with his son Peter.

In 1986, Ruffner founded the Literary Landmarks Association to recognize historic sites related to major literary figures and events.[11]

Ruffner was awarded an honorary membership in the American Library Association in 1987.[12]

Military career

Ruffner enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of seventeen and fought at Saipan and Okinawa during World War II.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

See also

References
  1. ""Frederick Gale Ruffner, Jr." Grosse Pointe News. – Retrieved October 3, 2014". Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  2. "Gale Research founder Frederick Ruffner dies at 88" Crain's Detroit Business – Retrieved October 3, 2014
  3. "Frederick Ruffner, founder of reference book powerhouse Gale Research, dies at 88" Detroit Free Press. – Retrieved October 3, 2014
  4. "Publisher was 'a pioneer of the information age'" Detroit News – Retrieved October 3, 2014
  5. "Gale Founder Frederick Ruffner Dies at 88" Library Journal – Retrieved October 3, 2014
  6. Library of Congress LCCN Permalink for 57013216
  7. Library of Congress LCCN Permalink for 57013217
  8. Library of Congress LCCN Permalink for 59006963
  9. Library of Congress LCCN Permalink for 76046129
  10. McCracken, Jeffrey. " Gale Research to merge. (merger between Gale Research Co. and The Thompson Group)." Crain's Detroit Business. Crain Communications, Inc. September 21, 1998.
  11. "Literary Landmarks – American Library Association"
  12. American Library Association's Honorary Member Listing
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