Fred M. Plath

Born in Yakima, WA at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on September 23rd, 1922, Fred attended Yakima High School (now A.C. Davis) where he met Dorothy Davis who became the love of his life and then some! Following graduation they both attended Yakima Valley Junior College for their freshman year, transferring to the University of Washington in 1940. Fred became an active member of the Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity but as war broke out in Europe he joined the 457 AAA Battalion of the U.S. Army. He trained and fought in England, France and Germany until 1945. As the country sought peace he returned to the University to resume his education. However, when his father’s health became poor, Fred believed it was time to return to the Yakima Valley and the family business.

Fred and Dorothy were married on June 6th, 1948. They were blessed with three sons: Peter, Rick and Cliff. Together the family shared treasured times: growing up on Pickens Road, enjoying the Yakima Tennis Club, vacationing at Priest Lake, many family and friends excursions at Quadra Island and of course, working the then developing orchards. As the boys grew, Dorothy and Fred took time to boat and fish our beautiful Northwest passages and traveled to many memorable destinations. Their marriage and family life was respected and had a significant impact on many.

His smile, quick wit, warmth and laughter were simply infectious all his life! He brought these characteristics along with his brilliance for business to all his endeavors including the International Apple Association, the Yakima Valley Memorial Foundation, Perry Technical Institute, The Nob Hill Water Association, the Yakima Greenway and Downtown Rotary.

Fred’s primary interest was farming, from the seed to the shelves…ALL ASPECTS! Whenever Dorothy thought they needed something new for the house, Fred would purchase a new tractor or something for the farm instead! This GOOD progress and development of the fruit business was his goal. When asked about his “farm experiments” he said, “When a foreman thinks of the experiment, I can guarantee you that his way will be the winner when all the data is collected.” His discipline, charm, skill as a business man and farmer is legendary, only to be matched by his love and dedication to his wife and family. It is said that his steadfast love, patience and care for Dorothy was better marriage counseling than any preacher could ever give. His motto was “YOU have a choice everyday. Are YOU going to make it a good day or not?”

His mother Gail McMechan Plath, his father Fred B. Plath and his sister, Delores Plath, preceded him in death. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; his sons Peter (Bea), Rick (Lisa), and Cliff (Janie); his beloved grandchildren Dan (Bri), Leslie (Jacob) Johnson, Katy Plath, Marianne and Nick Plath, Gil and Sarah Plath; and his two GREAT-grandchildren, Davis Plath and Charley Johnson.

The Plath Family is deeply appreciative and thankful for the assistance and wonderful care from Judee Hassansin, Teresa Arenas, Hope Esperanza, Judy Hayes, Sandi Cearlock and Connie Ledford.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. A private graveside service is scheduled at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Fred, visit www.keithandkeith.com.