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1934
2017
Dr. Richard “Ric” Wade Plater, age 83, of Winter Park passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 5, 2017, at Florida Hospital Winter Park. His wife Karen Plater and close friends, and family were at his side.
Ric had an insatiable zest for life on land and under the sea. He was an avid sailor, and for him a perfect day meant a steady breeze, full sails, calm seas, and a glorious sunset; all spent with family and dear friends. Our fondest memories of him include his passion for lobstering and exploring the beauty of the underwater world with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Ric loved motorsports. He grew up cheering on Augie Papst and later working pit crew for his brother, Steve Plater, at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. He volunteered as a track physician at both Sebring Raceway and Daytona Speedway.
Upon graduation from Medical School at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Ric moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida for his medical residency and then joined Florida Hospital in Orlando. Ric, an anesthesiologist, was instrumental in Florida Hospital’s development of what became a world-renowned open-heart surgery program and relished the challenge of using his medical skills to help people. For the littlest patients, he was loved for his ability to ease their fear by putting them to sleep with their choice of flavored anesthesia.
After retiring from medicine, Ric and his wife Karen could often be found on their sailboat Contessa cruising the West Coast of Florida or the Bahamas. A die-hard Wisconsin Badger fan, Ric made numerous trips to Madison to see football games and to meet up with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers over beer and brats.
Born August 6, 1934, in Milwaukee, WI, Ric graduated from University High School in Madison and then The University of Wisconsin, Madison for both his undergraduate studies and his Medical Degree. Ric was married on October 1, 1977, and is survived by his wife Karen (Rysticken) Plater, his daughter Stacey (Tom), son Jason (Jill), son Timothy (Megan), and grandchildren Julie, John, Paulina, and Jude. A celebration of life will be held September 30, 2017, 3:00pm–8:00pm at the home of Richard and Karen in Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson Association of Central Florida in memory of Richard W. Plater– www.parkinsoncf.org/donate. For further information please call the funeral home (407) 677-5091
Sponsored by Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod/Winter Park Funeral Home Goldenrod Chapel.
8 Entries
October 27, 2017
Lisa Scholes Epel, TPS '82
Stacey, I was sad to hear about your father's passing. I hope you and your family are doing well.
September 27, 2017
Ariel Curl
Such a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed.
September 24, 2017
Johnnie Palacios
My deepest condolences Karen. My thoughts are with you.
September 22, 2017
We are so sad at the loss of our fellow "Parkie" & pray for comfort for your family & great memories of your beloved Ric.
~ Bob & Karen McRainey
September 22, 2017
Jim, Pam, Andrew, and Michael Hansen
Our hearts are heavy with sadness at the loss of our beloved Papa Ric. Peace and comfort to you Karyn and all the family.
September 20, 2017
Bruce Harris
Jay, condolences to you and your family.
September 20, 2017
I send my sincere condolences during this very difficult time. May you all find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
September 7, 2017
Julia Casavant
dear Rick Plater family & Karyn, extending deep and heartfelt sympathy with love Julia L Casavant, Orlando FL
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Sep
30
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
the Plater home
Winter Park, FL
Funeral services provided by:
Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod/Winter Park Funeral Home7520 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792
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