Roger Andrew Plate

Roger Andrew Plate

Phoenix - Roger Andrew Plate, (Architect) 78, died on January 15, 2021, in Phoenix, AZ, from respiratory failure due to Covid-19. He was a loving father and passionate architect whose creativity can be seen throughout the state of Arizona.

Roger was born in Cincinnati, OH, on April 20, 1942. Though he moved to Arizona at a young age, he kept one piece of Ohio with him forever: a love of the Cincinnati Reds. Roger attended Phoenix's Sunnyslope High School 1960, where he played basketball and baseball.

In 1966, he graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor's in architecture, and began interning with several different firms. During one such internship, he traveled to Nogales, where he helped build St. Andrew's Episcopal Church - and where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They later returned to Phoenix and married.

For the rest of his career, Roger mostly worked freelance, and mostly through word of mouth. He was talented yet humble, often calling himself "a people's architect"; whatever your budget, he would find a way to accomodate you.

He worked on everything from million-dollar mansions to nursing homes to a family housing project with Chicanos Por La Causa. One of his greatest joys was creatively transforming old buildings, such as airplane hangars and gas stations, into new and beautiful structures.

Roger was extremely proud of his career, and often said he'd do architecture for free. That's how much he loved it. Up until his retirement, he continued to make his drawings by hand — a rarity in the world of CAD. To see a set of his plans was to witness a work of architectural art.

Roger was also a huge sports fan: He delighted in tailgating and grilling out, and having parties for every big game (go Sun Devils!). He loved food and traveling, and especially food while traveling; some of his favorite destinations were Italy, Spain, Paris, Jamaica, and Hawaii. He got a thrill out of sampling ethnic cuisines with his international friends, and could never say no to a new dish.

Roger will be remembered as hard working, friendly, and extremely funny with a sensational sense of humor. Wherever he went, he became the life of the party, and quickly started making people laugh. He was cheerful and warm and loyal, frequently prioritizing others' needs above his own — and prizing his family above all else.

Roger is predeceased by his sister Marlene Richardson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Plate, and his children,Roger Huff, Linda Gibson, Douglas Gibson, and Roger Plate. His Brother Arthur C. Plate (Maureen) of Cincinnati Ohio. Nephews and Nieces Mindy Bower of Cincinnati Ohio Andrew Plate of Greensboro, NC. JaydeneTownsend, Marvin Richardson, Roland Richardson and Toni Patten. Grand children Samantha Gendreau, James Boyle, Joshua Gibson, Paige Gall and 7 Great grand kids

A Celebration of Life will be held when it is safe to do so. If you would like to be notified of the date, please email rogerplate@cox.net.