Camping World founder David Garvin of Bowling Green dies at age 71

Well-known Bowling Green businessman David Garvin, 71, died Saturday in an accident at his home.

Warren County Coroner Kevin Kirby said Mr. Garvin was having some work done on the roof of his home at Ironwood Farm and had gone up on the roof to look at it when he slipped and fell off. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. Garvin founded the retail chain Camping World in 1966, when he saw a market for RV accessories among campers visiting his father's Bowling Green amusement park, Beech Bend.

He sold the company, which has stores throughout the country, in 1997. Mr. Garvin used some of the proceeds to get in the Thoroughbred business.

Describing himself as "an incurable entrepreneur," Mr. Garvin also got involved in a number of other business endeavors, including banking, pharmaceuticals and advertising, as well as farming.

He took on a number of community improvement projects in the Bowling Green area, including restoring historic bridges and beautifying a riverfront area.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete Saturday night at J.C. Kirby & Son's Broadway Chapel in Bowling Green.

This story was originally published August 30, 2014 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Camping World founder David Garvin of Bowling Green dies at age 71."