The South African engineering community has paid tribute to Clive Rutter, Managing Director of Silicon Engineering, who passed away on May 11.

Rutter was a highly esteemed figure whose contributions to the field spanned over six decades. He was a revered engineer and a mentor to many in the industry, says Rocco Barnard, a close colleague and friend. “Clive was not only a brilliant engineer but also a true friend. His depth of knowledge and passion for engineering were unparalleled.”

Clive’s career, which began with a BSc in electrical engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1963, included a series of significant achievements. He was a driving force behind the founding of Brown & Rutter Control Systems in 1969 and later Silicon Engineering where he specialised in power electronics and industrial process control systems.

Clive’s work extended beyond his professional ventures. He served as the South African agent for major battery manufacturers, including Varta Batteries and BAE Berlin, and was pivotal in numerous industry advancements. His contributions to power electronics and his involvement in the technical investigation for the Vaal Reefs gold mine disaster in 1994 highlighted his dedication to his field.

“He was always generous with his time and expertise through his technical papers or his patient guidance to fellow engineers,” Barnard says. “Clive’s enthusiasm for his work and his ability to simplify complex topics made him a cherished resource and a beacon of inspiration.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Clive was known for his positive outlook and his love of music, particularly the piano. His legacy as a mentor, leader and friend will be remembered with deep respect and fondness.