Pat Radke, a longtime member of the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association, passed away on February 17, following a brief battle with cancer. She was 75.
Radke dedicated approximately 30 years to the association, supporting its members and the broader outdoor hospitality industry.
Before joining the association’s staff in 1994, she was a park owner and operator, actively engaged in state and national campground organizations.
“We feel a tremendous loss with Pat’s passing. She’s been like family to us,” said Bobby Cornwell, the association’s executive director and CEO since 2004.
Throughout her tenure, Radke played a pivotal role in the association’s operations. She continued working into 2024, even during her cancer treatments, until stepping away from her duties in December.
“She loved working for the association and helping our members,” Cornwell said.
Radke was previously married to Joe Striska, who managed the association for 11 years before his passing in 2004. The couple also managed Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort in Flagler Beach, Florida, and Striska served on the Florida Campground Association Board.
Following Striska’s passing, Radke continued her work with the association under Cornwell’s leadership.
She later married her childhood sweetheart, Gary Radke, who has also contributed to the association’s efforts, assisting with RV show booths and other activities.
The Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association, initially incorporated as the Florida Campground Association in 1966, represents privately owned RV parks and campgrounds in the two states. It provides business services, advocacy, and industry promotion while publishing camping guides and operating travel websites CampFlorida.com and CampInAlabama.com.
“As we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, please keep Pat’s family and friends in your thoughts, especially her husband and FRVCA staff member Gary Radke, and her daughter, Tricia Hovis,” Cornwell said.
“We will share details regarding memorial services or ways to honor Pat’s memory as soon as we receive them from her family,” Cornwell added.