Richard Terrence Platt

Richard Terrence Platt passed away at the age of 84 at Providence Hospital in Everett, Washington on Friday June 9, 2017. Dick grew up in south Everett in an apartment attached to the family lumberyard. In an era of kids roaming freely, he often rode his old bike throughout south Everett, fished in the now culverted Mill Creek of the "Big Woods," woods that ran for miles between Colby and Broadway south from Everett's 41st Street or in winter skated with his father on Ebey Slough. In 1952 he graduated Everett High School and later, Everett Community College. His military time was spent mainly playing basketball on a Navy team in Pensacola, Florida. After returning to civilian life, he worked in local mills until joining the Everett Fire Department. On May 19, 1956, in Everett, Washington, Dick married Nanette Clarice Jeschke. They had one daughter, Dennice Elaine Platt. After their divorce, Dick married and was sealed on February 1, 1986, to Alice Esther Hoopman Limbean in the Seattle Washington Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At that time, he welcomed Alice's children, Shane and Dawn Raber into his heart. Dick became a loving father to them. Both Shane and Dawn think of him not as "step-father" but as Dad. For 32 years, Dick worked as an Everett firefighter; many in the years before respiratory gear was required. Like other firemen of that era, he coughed up his share of black smoke. In his laters years he fought and won his battle with esophageal cancer. He retired from the fire department as a captain in the early 90s. His final assignment was at the Madison Park station with two other aging firefighters, Tom Langill and Harry Lundstrom. Together the place was known as the "Tom, Dick and Harry" station. Dick loved the outdoors. Tall and lanky, he was a natural explorer of the Northwest and an avid fly fisherman. Nothing delighted him more than standing hip deep in the cold clear waters of the north fork of the Stillaguamish River. Fighting the swift current, knocking the ice off the pole guides and picking just the right hand-tied fly in his attempt to outwit an elusive steelhead. He was of the 20% who caught 80% of the fish. His trout made their way to the table. Later he practiced catch and release. After his brother-in-law introduced him to golf, Dick found golf clubs in a local pawnshop and spent hours on local courses until he managed a low handicap. Inclement weather might find him engaged in his favorite indoor sport, ping-pong. Later he turned to cribbage and pool at his local senior center. But what distinguished Dick was his intense curiosity; why do fish respond at different river levels, what geological forces produced the rock formations or who were the figures of history that shaped our country. An active reader, he carted numerous books from the public library. From personal experience and reading, he remained able to direct a conversation into many and varied directions. As much as he was an outdoorsman, he was always there at important events for his family. In later years, Dick found deep satisfaction in his membership and service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved visiting the aged of the church as well as becoming part of a church branch organized for recently arrived immigrants from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He loved the people and their spicy foods that appeared at church potlucks. Dick's last few years were spent at Mother Earth Adult Family Home in Snohomish, Washington where he received compassionate care for his stroke after his wife, Alice was unable to care for him at home. The family is indeed grateful for the care shown to him there. He developed a special fondness for his caretakers (especially the short one). Frequent book deliveries by Sno-Isle staff brightened his days. He found great joy in regular visits from friends Ron and Carol Redd. He also enjoyed sharing stories and wisdom with the young men of the church who faithfully brought him the Sacrament every Sunday. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Helen Platt and former wife, Nanette Jeschke Platt. He is survived by his wife, Alice Hoopman Platt of Everett, Washington; his daughter, Dennice (David) Dierck of White Salmon, Washington, his stepson, Shane (Tracey) Raber of Rigby, Idaho, and his stepdaughter, Dawn (Michael) Goodwin of Snohomish, Washington. He also left behind nine grandchildren, Jessica Powell, Matthew Dierck, Austin, Benjamin, Jeanalice, and Gladi-Rose Goodwin, Sean, Calyse, and Carter Raber and two great-grandchildren, Wesley Powell and Japhia Dierck. Please join family and friends for a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2017. Viewing from 10:00-10:45 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 110 50th Street SW, Everett, Washington 98203. Luncheon following. All invited. With a 2:30 p.m. Burial at Machias Cemetery, 1201 Silva Street, Machias, Washington 98290. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to any of the following: Everett (Fire Department) Medic One Foundation, 2930 Wetmore Ave Suite 7-A, Everett, Washington 98201; Evergreen Fly Fishing Club, 28030 59th Ave NE, Arlington, Washington 98223 or Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, 7312 35th Ave NE, Marysville, Washington 98271.