Donald G. Platt

Donald G. "Don" Platt passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the age of 77. He was born in Benton Harbor, MI on January 26, 1946, to the late Clark and Florabelle (Mundt) Platt. Anyone that knew Don knew of his love for his family - especially his grandkids! He also loved sports, the great outdoors, being active and adventurous.

He showcased these passions in the careers he held: Michigan State University 4-H Youth Challenge program, decade’s worth of careers in Environmental Services, Zoning and Planning administration. He also owned and managed the family business of Lifeline Fitness Center in Chesaning, MI for 18 years. He was a certified MHSAA referee for many high school sports.

He spent his retirement years working part-time at Home Depot and volunteering for many organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the National Park Service, National Wildlife Refuges, and many church organizations, including NOMADS.

When Don wasn’t volunteering or working, you could find him on the softball field, kayaking, skiing, playing pickle ball, backpacking, traveling, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, tinkering with things around the house, spending time with family or attending one of his grandchildren’s sporting events. One of his favorite “later in life” activities came in 2009 when he participated in the Huntsman Senior World Games in Utah, where he participated in softball and track events.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Sandie Platt; daughters Richonda (Carl) Goldsmith of Lombard, IL, Monica (Ross) Metty of Climax, MI and Jessica (Gary) Fox of Blythewood, SC; grandchildren, Kenzie and Paige Goldsmith, Ethan and Sienna Metty, Maci and Jaxson Fox; siblings, Joyce Platt (Mike), Nancy (Dave) Goodyear, Dave Platt, and sister-in-law Sharon Platt, as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Florabelle Platt; brother, Wes Platt and his niece Melissa Tsunemori.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to one of the following organizations in Don’s name: Habitat for Humanity, Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of SW Michigan) or the University of Michigan Brain Bank.

Don’s family is planning a Celebration of Life to honor him at Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 7028 Oakland Drive, Portage, Michigan on Friday, March 10, 2023, with visitation from 11-12 and services at 1:00, with coffee and desert to follow.  The family is also planning an informal gathering in the summer in Chesaning, MI, where the family lived for more than 45 years.