A Sad Day in RV History

[Sprinter]

Today, we lost our Patriarch of the Escapees RV Club. Joe Peterson left us at 2:00 pm during surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was well known for his sense of humor and quick wit He is survived by his wonderful wife Kay, a sister nurse and founder of the SKP Care Center for convalescent recovery for RV'ers. My heart goes out to all his family, especially at this time of year. They are also featured in the RV Hall of Fame in Goshen, IN for their part in being trailblazers for the RV lifestyle.

If it weren't for the Peterson's and the SKP Club, I'd still be sittin back in PA under mounds of snow. I am thankful I got to meet him and Kay at a rally in Gillette, WY. And, if it weren't for that rally, I'd never have gotten to meet our sisters PattyK (from CA) and dpf (Pat) from SD Who are awesome friends. I even stayed at Pat's again last summer at the finest RV Park you could ever visit

So for all our SKP sisters, I feel your loss.

Love,

Sharon

[Forestgal]

I read this on another blog I follow. It's so sad on so many levels, and compounded by it happening at Christmas.

His family will certainly be in my prayers.

[pattyk]

What a loss! He and Kay have done so much for RVers over the many years. He will be greatly missed.

[BirdbyBird]

I have also met them at a rally....they were/are real people and made driving around in an RV meeting new people sound like a good and interesting life choice to try.

[ali1257]

Didn't know them but do belong to the Escapees Forum and we will be working at the Escapees Park Lone Star Corral in Hondo, TX. If it weren't for them starting Escapees we would have no park to go work for. Praying for Kay and the family.

[Bethers]

I hate seeing any of the "old-timers" gone. They are the real pioneers - and I understand your sadness over this man, although I didn't know him.

If any of you ever get the chance and can find the movie: "Roam Sweet Home" please take the opportunity to see it. You'll see many of the real pioneers of this lifestyle. I was lucky enough to be given the movie by a friend who had had it tranferred to a cd from the vhs format - and I still have a vhs machine in here - watched it and was in awe of the women pioneers - most of whom are probably gone since this was made. (And some men, also).

If any of you are ever near me and I haven't passed this movie on - will be glad to share it with you. It's not long - more of a documentary - narrated by the dog of the woman who was driving the rv.

[flick4411]

I'm sorry to hear of this losss...even tho I didn't know him. But he sounds like someone I would have liked. I will look for the Escapees site. Sounds very interesting. Thank you for sharing this story and allowing us to send up prayers for his DH, Kay!

[Nasoosie]

So sorry for his family, and for all his friends. It's hard to lose someone any time, but this holiday time is even more difficult, I think.

I will have a candle burning for his memory here on my table.

[cpatinjones]

Thanks for sharing. I read an article this morning about his death.

Beth, If I ever meet up with you, I would love to view that documentary.