PELHAM, AL— Patrick H. Arnold, 77, passed away August 26, 2013 after a brief illness.  

He was the former President of Marine Specialties Group, a division of G&T Industries.

He made his mark in the marine industry early on by selling vinyl upholstery to contract furniture manufacturers. He saw an opportunity in the marine market and in 1974 became the driving force behind the Marine Specialties Group, which he led in the mid-80’s becoming President of this division in 1991.  He was simultaneously made Executive VP of G&T Industries in 2000.  Arnold left the marine industry in 2003.  

“Patrick made MSG the single largest soft surface supplier to the marine industry, with several locations throughout the eastern United States,” according to Carrie Smith, who was his executive assistant 2000-2003 and now serves MSG as communications manager. 

“Arnold was known for his unapologetic love of being a ‘peddler, which was the title he used on his business cards his entire career," she said. "Arnold impacted the marine industry in many ways, both on a business level and on a personal level.  He considered by his peers as an innovator in his thinking with no fear of new and creative ideas; this was reflected in product design  and service level developments.”

Arnold was born in Hamilton OH, he graduated from Miami University in Miami, OH. He served his country from 1956 until 1960 as a member of the US Army. His service was so important  to him that he made sure his “combat” boots were passed down to the next generation, along with his steadfast work ethics. 

“He was a visionary, always with a plan,” Smith added. “As Patrick was fond of saying, even a bad plan is better than no plan,” she remembers.   

“Many business associates will remember fishing the Amazon with Patrick, an exciting diversion he organized for many years,”   she said.

He was also an avid tennis player throughout his life, and as a youth claimed the state championship in Ohio.  He made his home in Merritt Island, FL after living in Grand Rapids, MI for many years.