Richard Platt

Click Here to Download a free funeral planning guide.

Celebrating the life of
Richard  PlattDecember 13, 1932 - April 19, 2013

Richard Platt
Richard Platt died in his sleep Thursday, April 18, 2013, following a splendid evening spent with his wife Audrey and a spontaneous visit from an old friend.

Dick was born to Richard Platt and Mary Stuart Gordon Platt on December 13, 1932 in Hartford, Connecticut. He grew up with his siblings, Arthur, Peggy and Louis in St. James, New York and Duxbury, Massachusetts; spending summers at the Gordon Cottage on Tybee Island. Dick graduated from St. Paul's School and went on to graduate from Yale University in 1955, where he was a member of St. Anthony Hall and The Torch Society. He fulfilled his military service obligation; joining the United States Marine Corps where he earned his officer's commission and flew combat-ready helicopters. From the Marine Corps, Dick extended his service in The Central Intelligence Agency's Field Operations section, conducting overseas assignments primarily in Africa. A colleague later quipped that his service in the CIA would benefit him as he pursued a career in domestic and international banking.

After a period in the securities business with his father in St. Louis, Dick completed a degree in law at Washington University in St. Louis. Dick began his career as a banker in Washington, DC focusing on identifying and providing for the underserved. This commitment would continue to define his relationships, both personal and professional, throughout his life. While at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Washington, he was directly responsible for providing the management necessary to allow Neighborhood Housing Services to flourish and become a national model. He became the Director of the Office of Housing and Urban Affairs as well as the Director of the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation.

Opportunity would lead Dick to First Federal of Michigan, in Detroit. Dick retired from First Federal as Executive Vice President, after leading the bank through the challenges of the Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite an enormous workload, he also immersed himself in
an extensive number of community projects in Detroit through the Chamber of Commerce and work with the Regional Transportation Commission. Dick was a life-long sportsman enjoying hockey and squash, was an avid fisherman, and a member of The Detroit Athletic Club and The Detroit Racquet Club.

He returned to Savannah with his wife Audrey in 1995 to a retirement balancing the enjoyment of life's pleasures with projects to enrich the Savannah community. He chaired the campaign to restore the Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace and represented that organization in many other capacities. Dick was passionate about music and was instrumental in the creation of the Savannah Philharmonic, serving as it's first Chairman. He was also an active member of The Cosmos Club, The Savannah Benevolent Society, Christ Church Episcopal as well as The Oglethorpe Club and Savannah Golf Club.

Audrey and Dick traveled extensively and became dedicated Francophiles, spending summers at their favorite place "Goursac" in the Dordogne and in Paris with friends and family.

Dick was a true patriot and was never prouder than when talking of his service in the United States Marines Corps. He wore his Navy wings in 2012, while accepting from President Obama the Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian citation. The medal was presented in honor of his great aunt, Juliette Gordon Low, founder of The Girl Scouts of America. When questioned by Ann Glenn, wife of astronaut and fellow recipient John Glenn, if his wings represented Navy or Marines, he answered, "Marines"! She responded, "Semper Fi". The term, meaning "Always Faithful", exemplified Dick's life.

As a friend once said: "He was for everyone." And to every one of his friends, he was a "true" friend. Dick's life was a full one. He was a man of integrity, grace and good cheer. His steadfast honesty favored no one, but this sincerity put forth a presence that endeared him to virtually everyone he met.

Dick is survived by his best friend and wife of 32 years Audrey Dunn Platt, his brother Arthur Platt of St. Louis, MO, his three children, Lee Hodges of Bloomingdale, GA, Richard Platt of Mill Valley, CA, Nina de Burgh of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, their spouses Robert, Lorraine and William and 10 grandchildren.

He is also survived by Audrey's children, whom he considered as his own, William, Eleanor, and Jonathan Rhangos, all of Savannah, their spouses Allison, Daniel Bromstad and Andrea and 6 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Church Episcopal on Johnson Square Wednesday, April 24th at 2:00pm. The burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to: The Savannah Philharmonic, The Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace or Christ Church Episcopal.

Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

Submissions protected by Kanshi.

GUEST BOOK

To Audrey and family, My heart, and the collective hearts of the staff at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, are broken over the passing of our dear and wonderful friend Dick. His visits brightened our days and we looked forward to his dropping by to share 'the old house' with friends and family or just because. We admire his devotion to his family, his community and the causes he believed in and so generously supported. The remarkable and incredibly happy marriage you and Dick shared together is an example for us all. Words cannot express how much we are going to miss him....

- Fran Harold, Tybee Island, GA

Combined with his funny hearty laughing side and exquisite manners and concern for others, Dick's serious side reflected an upbringing laced with integrity, diligence for the work at hand, and thoughtfulness of others less fortunate. Our paths first crossed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola FL in 1956. First really knew him when he and his charming witty father joined G.H. Walker & Co in St. Louis for a short spell in the sixties. We had lots of laughs and cheer all together. Dinners with Dick & his first wife Peggy were an occasion to look forward to. Decades and wide distances later, Dick is always remembered with great affection and fondness mano e mano. Don't make many like him anymore. His spirit lives on.

- Laurence C Day, Ladue, MO

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Platt's passing. He was a very nice man and I think has the prettiest garden in downtown Savannah. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ryan and Mary Christy

- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, GA

Dick, Always a gentleman. Always with a love of life. Greatly admired. Fondly remembered. You will be missed. Blair Barwick

- Blair Barwick, Fort Mill, SC

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Platt's passing. He will be sadly missed by the Girl Scout community. May God bless his family in their time of sorrow.

- Michelle Mical, Johnstown, PA

Mr Platt, will always be remembered in my photos of the special times we were honored by his presence during our Girl Scout Sojourn in Savannah. What a beautiful man, he was.

- Janet Schmeer, Portland, OR

My sympathy for the loss of Richard. Being the nephew of Juliette Gordon Low he had to be a great man. I have been in Scouting for 30 years and it is a great Organization. Also would like to visit Savannah. Janice Arndt

- Janice Arndt, Withee, WI

My sincere condolences to Dick's family. I am saddened by the news of his passing. Dick was such a fine man. I respected him immensely for his wisdom and character.

- John Tyson, Vidalia, GA

As Board Chair of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, I want to express our deepest sympathy to Dick's family. He was a true friend of Girl Scouts and I know his Great Aunt and founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, is awaiting his arrival with open arms. God Bless him and his family.

- Don Gregory, Savannah, GA

I was privileged to spend the afternoon with Richard touring the Coast Guard Barque Eagle Tall Ship May 2013 as a Girl Scout and former Mariner. He was a kind and gentle giant who enriched my life in a single afternoon. My prayers go out to your family.

- Vanette Christensen, Logandale, NV

Dick, You were my best friend, mentor, Detroit Symphony Orchestra supporter,and my tennis doubles partner. You touched so many lives and made the world a better place. I will always love you and remember you fondly. Chuck

- Chuck Dyer, Grosse Pointe, MI

We express our deepest condolences and sense of loss to so many. Love in Christ, Preston and Barbara Russell

- Preston Russell, savannah, GA

Dick, To the best friend a person could ever have, I would not be where I am today without you. Davidcisgd

- David Elliott, Natick, MA

It is with sure deep sadness that we write this note. Dick was just such and amazing individual. He will be sorely missed in our community! Our love and prayers to Audrey and all the family, and to Dick's extended family!

- Katherine and Jamie Keena, Savannah, GA

Dick was a true friend to the Juliette Low Birthplace and his commitment and dedication would have made Juliette Gordon Low proud. It has been a priviledge to know Dick and I hope his family finds solace in each other in the days and weeks to come.

- Sherryl Lang, Savannah, GA

God bless you, uncle Dick. I will miss you very much. Thank you for all that you did for me.

- Heather Leguet, St. Louis, MO