Forest River has announced the passing of its founder Peter Liegl.

The local RV maker describes Liegl as not only a visionary leader who transformed the RV industry, but one of Indiana’s proudest citizens and most generous philanthropists.

Liegl worked his way from the ground up in the RV industry. From production and operations, customer service, sales and management, he learned it all. He worked his way to the role of president at Midas Motorhomes, Shasta, and then co-founded Cobra Industries. When Cobra went public, Pete left and began to grow Forest River from the ground up.

In 2005, Liegl sold Forest River to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, but still continued at the helm of the company every single day.

Leigl is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and brother-in-law.