Graydon Platz Obituary (2023)

In Loving Memory of Graydon Edward Platz Graydon Edward Platz, 74, of Ellensburg, Washington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on August 18 after a difficult battle with kidney disease. Graydon was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend. The third of seven children, Graydon was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on May 31, 1949, to Carl and Barbara Platz. In his early years, Graydon enjoyed spending time with his siblings and friends, and his favorite childhood memories were made during his summer trips to his grandparents cabin at Lake Spooner. At 18, Graydon joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany, serving from 1969-1971. Graydon met his wife Carolee in 1972, and they married on July 10, 1976. The following year they welcomed their first child, their son, Anthony Adam Platz, on December 17, 1977. On January 28, 1979, they welcomed their second child, their daughter Crystal Marie Platz. Graydon was a loving, involved, fun loving father. He took his family on annual camping trips to the sand dunes in Coos Bay, Oregon and on many family trips to destinations such as Sea World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios. They spent countless weekends a their family property on the Lake in Shelton, Washington. His children would regularly have their friends over and all of the neighborhood kids still mention their fond memories of him particularly of his famous malts. Graydon worked for Weyerhaeuser for 18 years, followed by BOEING for 27 years. In 2014, he retired from his career with BOEING. He and his wife Carolee relocated from Renton, Washington to their home in Ellensburg, and a small vacation home in Gold Canyon Arizona. Graydon loved the sunshine and scenery Arizona offered, as well as the active senior Community that offered activities he and Carolee both enjoyed. Graydon absolutely loved classic cars. At just 18 years old, he saved enough to buy his first vintage vehicle a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe. This car sparked a lifelong passion for collecting and restoring antique vehicles. From Model As, to Fairlanes, to a Chevy BelAir- Graydon was always looking out for the next potential project car, Both his wife, son, and daughter shared this interest, leading to many family trips to car shows around the states, and his membership in two car clubs The Central Valley Rodders in Ellensburg, Washington and the Senior Rodders in Apache Junction, Arizona. Graydon was preceded in death by his father, Carl Platz Senior, his brother Raymond Platz, and his mother Barbara Platz. He is survived by his loving wife Carolee, his son Anthony, his daughter Crystal, his daughter-in-law Ruth, his granddaughter Faith, his step-granddaughter Amirah, his siblings Guy, Germaine, Glenda, Carl, and Billy, his nieces and nephews and many extended family members. A Military Funeral Service to honor Graydon, will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington on October 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm.