Robert Frank “Bob” Platte

Robert Frank “Bob” Platte passed away Jan. 27, 2006. He was 55.

He was born April 25, 1950 in Eugene, Ore. He attended schools in Eugene, including his sophomore year at North Eugene High School, before moving in 1966 to Chehalis as a junior at W.F. West High School. There he was an All-State sprinter on the Bearcat track and field team, a standout tenor singer in the choir and an honors student, graduating in 1968.

Bob’s college career included an Associate of Arts degree at Centralia College and a Bachelor of Arts degree at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. He furthered his music studies under the tutelage of Dr. Manzo at Eastern, to later become an accomplished opera-singing tenor in five different languages. Bob’s baritone range was extended to “high C,” such that he achieved his — and Dr. Manzo’s — goal of his becoming among the world’s greatest classically trained tenors. The power and beauty of Bob’s voice thrilled everyone who ever heard him sing.

After settling into a career as an insurance broker in Spokane for nearly 20 years, Bob sold his practice to pursue his life-long love of the fine arts, particularly singing arias from all of the best-known operas. His recordings and performances in many opera houses and showrooms thrilled audiences for many years.

Bob was to have met in Ireland in fall 2005 with the promoters of a European tour when he became ill. Bob was also an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and golf.

Bob moved back to Chehalis from Spokane in 2005. He is survived by his loving newlywed wife, Kathleen “Kit” Pingree-Platte, of San Juan Island; mother, Kathy Platte, of Chehalis; brother, Richard Platte and wife, Victoria, of Eugene; and brothers Jim and Burt Schoonover.

A memorial service will be held at Woodland Estates in Chehalis on March 4 at 2 p.m.

— The Robert Frank “Bob” Platte family