David Garvin, a Thoroughbred breeder and founder of the retail chain Camping World, died Aug. 30 in an accidental fall at his home on Ironwood Farm near Bowling Green, Ky. He was 71.
A spokesman for the Warren County sheriff's office says Garvin was on the roof of his home in Bowling Green when he slipped and fell. The Bowling Green Daily News reported Garvin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Garvin founded the business that would become Camping World in 1966 at age 23, starting a store and mail-order business that sold camping products. Camping World expanded over the years to become a marketer of RVs, with 100 stores and 5,000 employees.
Among the horses bred by Garvin individually were 1993 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) winner Rockamundo and the multiple grade III stakes winners Ide and Agol Lack, 1995 Florida Oaks winner Sneaky Quiet, and multiple stakes winner Ironman Dehere.
In partnership, Garvin was co-breeder of multiple grade III winner Belleski, grade III winner Grass World, and stakes winner Squadron Leader.
Funeral arrangements at J.C. Kirby and Son in Bowling Green were pending.