Dear Readers,

Many of you have already heard that Ralph died August 28 of complications from a broken hip. On a Saturday earlier in the month, Ralph was home from rehab and just starting to walk, so we decided he needed a chance to get out and have fun. We went to his favorite Saturday stop, some antiques shops. Of course he bought something-a 1960s whirligig with a man pulling an ox while both of their heads nod. It made funny noises when its wooden pieces hit each other, and it made us laugh. It was Ralph’s last collectible. A few days later, he had to go to the hospital for more surgery.

You, our readers, have been wonderful. You have told us so many stories about Ralph we didn’t know, like the one from a reader who remembers that when he was 15 he talked to Ralph about collecting World’s Fair items. And we appreciate the many fans who left messages on our blog (Kovels.Blogspot.com) agreeing that Ralph is now “rummaging in God’s cupboards.”

Now that my days are becoming more organized, I am once again able to read the blog and emails and the antiques papers and magazines. This is my thank-you for all of your prayers, good wishes, and serious and funny stories about Ralph. He would have loved to know our writings meant so much and that both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times wrote about how important he was to the American collecting industry.

Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles, Kovels.com, our newspaper column, our books and our other collecting projects will all continue with the help of our family (Terry, daughter Kim and son Lee) and our long-time editors and staff. We hope you continue to be among our collecting friends.

Thank you,