Rabbi Ralph P. Kingsley

Mr. Novak- I learned of your project from a rabbinnic colleague on the
internet and hasten to respond. I first "met" Dick Israel through an article
he had written for Moment magazine(c. 1980) on his experience running the
Boston Marathon. I had recently begun running and was so inspired by what he
had written that I began to train for NY which I subsequently ran 3 times. In
1985, I qualified for Boston and called him to find out where to stay etc. He
graciously invited me to stay with him( we had not yet met face to face),
brought me to the starting line the next morning and made sure I was properly
cared for. That was my last marathon and my last contact with him except for
a thank you note.  He was my inspiration and a model of kindness to the
stranger. I have never forgotten. I am deeply saddened by his untimely death.
 Rabbi Ralph P.Kingsley