JACKSON CENTER, Ohio Wade F.B. Thompson, a towering figure in the midsize bus and recreational vehicle industries, died in mid-November after spending more than 14 years battling five cancers. He was 69.

Mr. Thompson was a remarkable business executive and fine gentleman, according to those who knew him.

His singular business achievement was to build Thor Industries into North Americas leading midsize bus and recreational vehicle manufacturing company.

Mr. Thompson was co-founder, chairman, president and chief executive of Thor, a company that has never lost money, a record believed to be unique to the two industries.

In the fiscal year ended July 31, Thor posted sales of $1.52 billion and a net income of $17.1 million despite an RV industry that has spent much of the past two years flat on its back.

Mr. Thompson, along with vice chairman Peter Orthwein, founded Thor in 1980 when they purchased Airstream, the iconic -- yet financially troubled travel trailer company.

Mr. Thompson turned Airstream around from a $12 million annual loss -- immediately prior to its purchase, to a $1 million profit in the first year.

Thor continued to grow through acquisitions and, today, owns several RV and bus manufacturers. Its portfolio includes bus makers Goshen Coach, ElDorado National, Champion Bus, and General Coach America, plus RV companies Damon and Four Winds, and travel trailer makers Keystone RV, CrossRoads, Breckenridge, Dutchmen, Komfort and General Coach Canada.

Many attribute Mr. Thompson's business success to hiring smart people and leaving them alone to run his businesses.

"People in place throughout his companies are top notch," said one businessman who sold two companies to Mr. Thompson.

Three days before his death, Mr. Thompson relinquished his duties at Thor, handing control to Orthwein. Mr. Thompson owned 28.4 percent of Thor, according to a recent regulatory filing.

Mr. Thompson also was dedicated to the arts and historic preservation, as well as conservation. During the past decade he focused on helping detect and finding a cure for cancer.

He is survived by his widow and two children.