Walter Plywaski

1929 - 2021

Walter Plywaski born Wladyslaw Plywacki, died on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Sunrise Senior Living in Boulder, Colorado. Walter is survived by three daughters, Cybele Mannell, Ariel Ocker and Gabriella Armstrong, five grandchildren and his brother Bill Plywaski, as well as countless friends and admirers in the Boulder area and around the world. He was born on August 10th, 1929 in Lodz, Poland. Walter and his family were arrested by Nazis, and he lived in the Lodz Ghetto from 10-14 years of age. Although both his father Maksimilian and his mother Regina both perished, Walter and his brother survived multiple concentration camps until Dachau was liberated in 1945. He worked as an interpreter under Captain John Van Arsdale, immigrating to the US in 1947. Walter served 4 years in the US Air Force, and then completed a degree in Electrical Engineering at Oregon State University. He had an 18-year career at NOAA (National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration), then established Pragmatronics, an electronics design company. He was best known for his efforts to help people learn about the Holocaust, and understand how to use the lessons of history to strengthen humane and compassionate action towards others. Walter spoke at elementary schools, high schools and universities, and made a lifelong impact on all who met him. Walter was an avid reader and extraordinarily knowledgeable on topics from history to science and religion. He was also a formidable chess player and spoke 6 languages. He featured prominently in a short film called Free Boulder, and many articles about him are available on the internet. Before the 2020 elections, Walter went viral, with 2.2 million views in a documentary about the importance of voting against hatred and fear (No Bystanders). Walter left behind many friends and admirers as well as his life's work fighting racism, bigotry and ignorance. In that spirit, his family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, fell free to donate in Walter's name to the ACLU (https:// tinyurl.com/yjh419pd), which won his federal case to become a citizen as an atheist by affirmation, rather than under oath. He will not be forgotten. Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, Walter's burial will not be a public event, but a safe memorial service will be held at Crist Mortuary. Time and date is still to be determined. Service updates at www.cristmortuary.com