Robert Platts

Robert Harlow Platts “Bob” passed away peacefully at his home in Longmont, Colorado on June 3, 2014. He was born on May 1, 1930 in Boulder, Colorado to parents Harlow Case Platts and Marion Klingler Platts. He was the youngest of three boys with older brothers, Frederick and Harvey. He grew up on 11th St. just down the block from his grandparents. He resided in Boulder for the first 23 years of his life, attending local schools from kindergarten through graduate school. He excelled in athletics, earning varsity letters in track and basketball at Boulder High School. His love of sport continued throughout his college years.
He chose to major in the challenging field of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado, receiving a BSAS in 1953. At the same time he served in the Naval Reserves in preparation to fully enlist in the US Navy. Following his time in military service, he returned to Boulder and pursued a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, which was awarded in 1958. His love of Boulder, its wonderful setting, and the University continued throughout his life.
Following in the footsteps of his father and older brother Harvey, he served his country during the Korean conflict. In his military career, he served as the legal justice officer on board a destroyer, the USS Steinaker, in the Atlantic. He attained the rank of LTJG and was honorably discharged in 1955.
Upon return to Boulder, he married Sandy Nohl in 1957. His life took a new direction after accepting a teaching position at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He taught sculpting to a variety of students at this time. This prepared from his eventual career as an artist and educator.
In 1963 he was drawn to Santa Fe, New Mexico with opportunities to focus full-time on his sculpting. He worked on creating a portfolio of pieces and also accepted commissions at his studio home.
While maintaining his love of art, in 1971 his life took a new direction. For the next 16 years in New Mexico and Colorado, he was involved with horses, hounds, equestrian events and the founding of two sporting organizations.
Following his divorce in 1989, he returned to his beloved roots in Boulder County. His feelings towards family were very strong and in Longmont he lived next door to his brother Harvey.
He had a great love of art, books, music and nature. He was known by his friends and daughters as a very caring, kind and generous man. He was always a good listener and had a soft heart. He had pride overcoming some huge obstacles in his personal life. His genuine love for his daughters and caregivers along with his warm smile will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his daughters, Belinda Platts (Dolores, CO), Bron Platts (Weatherford, TX), a son-in-law David Miltz (Belinda), his loyal caregivers, a niece, Debbie Platts (son Mikey), and nephew, Bill Platts.
Services will be provided by Greenwood and Myers, 2969 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday June 10 at Greenwood and Myers. Funeral services will be the following morning, June 11, at 10 am at the First Congregational Church, 1128 Pine Street, Boulder, CO 80302. Internment and reception to follow service.