By Hugh Ash
JOHN Rule, dubbed Majorca's Mr. Rugby, died suddenly at his Sol de Mallorca home on Tuesday, aged 62.
The popular Welshman, a keen supporter of Ponent and El Toro rugby union clubs, was in the front row of efforts to establish Majorca as a top location to attract visiting teams from Britain and help boost the region's tourism appeal.
After a distinguished career publishing trade magazines in the UK, John and his wife, Carol, settled on Majorca 20 years ago, where he founded The Islander, the monthly bible' of the yachting community, which he edited for over 12 years.
His irreverent and hilarious Master Bates column became compulsive reading even for non-sailors and he was a regular and acerbically funny contributor to the Daily Bulletin's letters page, with politics and pomposity his usual targets.
Long-time friend, writer and journalist Hugh Ash, said, John will be greatly missed by his legion of friends and our hearts go out to Carol at this sad time.. John was a terrific character, larger than life, impressively knowledgeable and blessed with the unique ability to mix wit with wisdom. Majorca will just not be the same without him. Mr. Rule's funeral will take place at Bon Sosec Marratxi Crematorium, near Pont D'Inca, next Monday, March 14, at 12.30 pm.