Dick Caplis - A Tribute

In Memory of Richard (Dick) Caplis
12th December 1940 – 22nd May 2014

Richard (Dick) Caplis who was a coach, athlete, committee member and timekeeper for Kettering Town Harriers and Corby AC sadly passed away on May 22nd 2014 aged 73. He joined KTH in 1959 where he met his wife of 50 years Myrtle, a fellow athlete. He was a highly respected athlete who won a 400m gold in the British Masters and such was his nature that he was only too willing to pass on and develop his already expert knowledge in the sport by coaching for over 50 years, which led him to coach countless athletes to an extremely high level. With him being ever present to watch his athletes with his small camera and stopwatch in hand!

Many of his athletes represented and medalled for him and the county at English Schools and Internationally, something he was extremely proud of. Most recently several of his athletes medalled at the county championships just a few days prior to his death, as well as an athlete winning bronze in both the England National U20 combined events and BUCS championships 2 days after his death. This outstanding record both as an athlete and coach was acknowledged in 2012 with him receiving the lifetime achievement award at the Kettering Sports Awards (pictured below)

You only have to speak to his athletes to see just how much he meant to everyone at KTH as a coach, mentor and friend with his numerous stories and jokes always keeping them amused and entertained. He will be sorely missed by everyone and it was a true privilege to have known such a wonderful man. It will be a truly great loss to everyone involved in athletics both at KTH and in the county and our thoughts are with his family.

Richards’s athletes in combination with the KTH committee are hosting a celebratory 120 x 400m relay in his memory, tying in with the 120th Anniversary of KTH, something Richard was looking forward to. Details are being finalised, but it will take place on Saturday, September 6th at 3:00pm. There will be a bbq during the event and a minimum £1 donation from each relay participant will go to a charity chosen by his family. Further details will be posted once finalised.

A condolence book will be at the track for people to sign on club nights until the end of June, with it then being passed onto his family.