Art Rouse, 1917 - 2007

OreExcella · 09-13-2007, 12:30 AM

I just learned of the passing of the founder of Trailer Life magazine, Art Rouse.

He was also deeply involved in the Good Sam Club.

I met Art in the mid-1970's. In those days, he was pulling his customized Airstream trailer with an equally customized Ford van (the Sam Van). He had just arrived at an oceanfront RV resort in Depoe Bay, Oregon to spend the weekend. I was managing a radio station in the area, and had the opportunity to meet Art and his first wife Harriet (she passed away several years ago), and interview them about how he built Trailer Life and Good Sam into household words in the RV industry.

The interview probably went on for most of an hour; they were so delightful to talk with...no surprise to most of us though..it's the interaction that seems to be common to so many of us RVers.

He retired the Sam Van, sold the Airstream, and spent the last several years with his second wife Tony, and a motorhome. He continued to write a column in the Tracks RV Tours guide book. I understand that at the time of his passing, he was planning another Copper Canyon rail trip in Mexico.

In one of his columns he wrote: "My coffin better have wheels, because I'm gonna keep rollin' down the road until they they park me permanently in that great trailer park in the sky."

Rest in Peace Mr RV.

jim

apolaroid · 09-13-2007, 12:41 AM

What a nice way to remember someone. Without knowing anything about this man you have shared him with us. He sounds like an awesome person. I am sure he will be missed by many people. Prayers and peace to those who lost some one special with the passing of this man.

**Mel** · 09-13-2007, 09:11 AM

Thanks for sharing that info, Jim. He sounds like he was quite a guy!

**jcanavera** · 09-13-2007, 09:30 AM

Trailer Life and Good Sam was my introduction into the towing world in the middle 70's. These were my early sources for information and I can't tell how much I've learned from these resources. Unfortunately when Art sold the company, it lost a person who was it's heart and soul. To me its goal in life has moved to hawking anything and everything. I can't seem to go a week without receiving another piece of mail promoting some other affinity service through Good Sam. I was saddened to hear of his passing.

Jack