CPTC members have been sending in their thoughts about the passing of club founder Dave Blackstone. Here are some of them:
From Tyrone Culpepper:
“I am sorry to hear of his passing. I was a member of Central Park Track Club from 96-03, & had the opportunity to know Dave & Lynn. He was one of the founding fathers of CPTC & will be missed. Our prayers are with Lynn & his family.”
From Roger Yergeau:
“I first met David at his apartment when joining CPTC in 1978. I had just lost a fair amount of weight and was proud of my new shape at 190 pounds with the ability to run a 4 mile race in under 8 minutes a mile pace. David dryly tells me, “Son, if you are going to be a good runner, you need to lose a lot of weight.” Was I ever crushed!! After that great introduction, I ran many miles on the Central Park reservoir with David. Still remember running with David on a cold winter night the day of the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey game versus Russia in Lake Placid on the roads of Central Park with Mike Anderson and speculating if the USA team could beat the Russians. So long, David. We all appreciate your starting CPTC and being its guiding light for many years.”
From Mary Ellen Howe:
“Dave and Lynn have been major pillars of the NYC running community and it was their vision that made this
fantastic team possible … ”
From Kermit Birchfield:
“I have been a member since 1978 and I remember Dave so fondly. He will be missed … Run hard – Dave would expect no less.”
From Kelly Karavites:
“I am very sorry I remember him from my membership induction via an intro by Norm Goluskin back in 1982. I am very sad — my deep sympathies to all his family and friends and to the club but let us celebrate his life and what he left for us, a fine club and spirit!”
And from Coach Tony Ruiz:
“David Blackstone cared more about this team than anyone I’ve ever met. He was always so thrilled at our progress. When I first met him, there were few minorities on the team and I thought I might not fit in. But from the moment I met Dave, I KNEW that he didn’t care where I came from. All he cared about was “how fast could I run.” He didn’t have much of a track background so he was relentless in his desire to learn more about it. And once we established ourselves, he and Lynn were our greatest supporters.”