RV Industry Friend Passes Away

Internationally known travel writer Shirley Slater died August 23 in Los Angeles at Cedar
Sinai Hospital where she had been hospitalized since August 16. “The RV industry has lost a
dear friend, an avid RVer and eloquent spokesperson,” said David J. Humphreys, president of
the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Shirley and her husband, Harry Basch,
formed a prolific writing team that visited 185 countries and traveled by almost every mode
of transportation, including supersonic jet, luxury cruise liner, train and even hot-air
balloon. Their assignments took them to some of the most exotic and trendiest destinations
in the world, but when it came time to take their own vacations, they hit the road in their
own motorhome. Shirley and Harry were introduced to RVing in 1992 when they were assigned
to review the top 200 ski resorts. They became so enthusiastic about their rented RV that
they decided to buy one. Following that serendipitous experience, they started writing
frequently about their RV experiences. They authored countless newspaper and magazine
articles on RV travel and several books, including Frommer’s Exploring America by RV and
RVing for Dummies, scheduled for release this fall. They also represented RVIA as touring
spokespeople from 1994-99 and as RVIA media resources the past three years. Shirley started
writing at a young age. At 13, she covered the “Teen Scene” for her local paper the Mt.
Airy (NC) News. Her interest in journalism took her to the University of Georgia and then
on to news desks at newspapers and TV stations across the country. Shirley’s many talents
also found their way to the stage and screen where both she and Harry enjoyed successful
acting careers. Robert Redford personally cast Shirley for her role as a reporter in the
classic film The Candidate. In addition, she was a cast member in the premiere episode of
the PBS American Playhouse series and held a major role in the daytime NBC-TV drama Texas.
In memory of Shirley, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and Actors Fund
of America.