Kenneth James Plate

Kenneth “Ken” James Plate was born on March 9, 1954, to the parents of George and Doris Plate, in Staten Island, New York, alongside his twin brother George. Together, they made quite an entrance into the world, weighing a combined 16 pounds, 10 ounces, the largest twins born at the hospital at that time. In 1961, at age 7, the Plate family moved to Orlando, Florida settling across from Fire Station #3, a place that soon became a second home and source of inspiration for the boys.

From an early age, Ken had a deep fascination with anything that had wheels. At just 14, he began working at Lil 500 Go-Karts, sparking a lifelong passion for motorsports. Motorcycles became his first great love, leading him to Schmitt Cycles and a wide world of adventure; motocross, trials, flat-track racing, high-powered road racing, and eventually stock cars. With every race and every challenge, Ken cherished the friendships, laughter, and memories he made along the way. His adventurous spirit stretched far beyond the racetrack. Filling his days with snow skiing, boating, water skiing, scuba diving, lobstering and deep-sea fishing. No matter the activity Ken embraced life with open arms.

Ken’s strong work ethic and pride in craftsmanship led him into his father’s electrical business, where he eventually built Power Improvements, Inc., serving Central Florida for over 40 years. He especially treasured teaching the trade to apprentices and family members, passing on not just skills, but also a sense of pride in honest work, treating people fairly and how to manage a successful business.

Most of Ken’s life was spent on or near Bear Lake, a place where he built countless cherished memories. To his nieces and nephews, “Uncle Ken” was the one who taught them the magic of lakefront living, boating, skiing, fishing, knee boarding, sailing, and most importantly, embracing life’s simple joys.

Of all his adventures, Ken’s greatest role was that of father. His heart found its true home when he adopted his daughter Emilee at age 10, proudly watching her grow into the “lovely” woman, wife, and mother she is today. In time, he met his soulmate, Wendy, with whom he shared 23 wonderful years. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and countless adventures, from running businesses, flipping houses, to their favorite tradition of traveling through the mountains of North Carolina. Ken embraced Wendy’s children, Allisha and Andrew, as his own, deepening the love that bound their blended family together.

The brightest joys of Ken’s later years were his grandsons, Miles (13), Carl (10), and Jaxson (6). They brought endless light to his days, whether he was playing cars on the floor, coloring, doing puzzles, laughing through a game of Skip-Bo, competing in “pool-ball,” wrestling, or simply watching them grow. In their smiles, Ken found pure happiness.

Ken will be remembered for his strong faith, his big heart, and his gift for making everyone around him feel loved. He leaves behind his wife, Wendy Hall Plate; his twin brother, George Plate (Kathy); his children, Emilee Westervelt (Justin), Allisha Jacyszyn (Joseph), and Andrew Hall (Jen); his grandsons, Miles, Carl, and Jaxson; his brother-in-law, Scott Reichard; his nephews, Christian, Joshua, and Daniel; his niece, Kacie; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends.

Ken’s presence was larger than life, and his absence will be deeply felt. Yet his spirit will live on in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

In lew of flowers, donations may be made to:

www.ALZ.org

or

Give.Adventhealth.com/SupportHospice