By Mark Zepp
My wife, Amber, got the text message we had been fearing on April 17 at 9:50 p.m. Our dear friend had lost his month-long battle with COVID-19.
Gary Bunzer was a living legend in the RV Industry. Over his decades-long career, under the byline “The RV Doctor” he wrote thousands of articles, produced numerous videos and gave countless seminars to thousands upon thousands of people on virtually anything that had to do with RVs. For anyone who owned an RV that needed some kind of repair or helpful tip, chances are good that over the years they read at least one of his articles or watched one or more of his helpful “how to” videos.
Gary was a regular fixture in our home during his travels in and out of Elkhart County doing work for and representing some of the largest corporations within the RV industry. We talked RVs, guitars and guns during his many visits. He was an avid shooter and talented musician, and was well-respected within the industry which kept him busy.
Somewhere along the way, during his constant travels around the country, he became infected with the virus that has changed all of our lives.
He was humble and kind and always had a smile on his face. A loving husband, father, grandfather and dear, dear friend to countless others. Those words hardly do him justice. It is hard for us to believe he is gone. He was just here, in our home, laughing, singing and making plans for another visit. In a time of reflection, it is hard to come to grips with the fact that we did not let him know how loved and how special he was to our family before he pulled out of our driveway for the last time. I hope he knew.
Hug and kiss your parents, partner and kids. Cherish your time with friends and all loved ones. Let them know how special they are – not just in these times, but always.
We will leave a light on for you at the cabin, Gary, as we always did. Make sure you stop in to see us from time to time. —Amber, Wyatt and Big Mark
##RVT945
In effort to lighten saddened hearts… While there is but 1 gate for ALL (human and animal) to enter Heaven, the “Pearly Gates”, it is said when our pets have passed on that we’ll see them at the “Rainbow Bridge” when it’s our turn to enter Heaven. Well, maybe for RVers it could be said that we’ll meet again at the “Campfire In The Sky”.
Gary, thanks for the cheerful insights you will be sorely missed.
He was a fountain of knowledge for all of us to digest. He is already missed. R.I.P. Gary.
Thanks for your kindness, knowledge and willingness to help.
So sad to hear this news last week. After reading his articles over the years, he was a friend who came into my house every week. You will be missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting Gary at the Hershey show a few years back. I was humbled at his generosity to answer questions and share his personal email to a handful of people. I’ve read many of articles over the years and learned a lot from his writings. He will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace Gary.
I’m sorry for everyone’s loss.
RIP Gary, Thanks for all the info and help
Gary will definitely be missed. Prayers for him and his family.
Being a single woman in a 42′ motorhome I needed all the education I could get. I loved watching his show and often wished I had been in the campground where he was filming so he could help me. I could see by his face and actions he was a special guy! Such a huge loss.
I had been reading and seeing this man ´s collum for years
Never paid much attention
My loss because he was great
I live in montreal and am french
Our local rv association mentionned Gary this week
He was known and apreciated by the writer and staff
I never knew
I was too busy to pause for a second
I now will have to learn
Rip rv doctor
Courage to all his family
You had a good man
And he will be missed
Thank you for this. He was a wonderful man.
So sorry to read this, as you said, I and many others turned to one of his ‘how to’ videos when a problem arose and found him informative and helpful. He certainly is a great loss to the the RV industry, to our lifestyle and to his family and friends. My condolences to you all.