Tom G. Platis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and the original “Tommy/Herky/Judge/Dad/Papou” passed away at 86 surrounded by loving family.

He was born on December 8, 1939, in Price, Utah, the son of Gust Nick and Matilda (Hvala) Platis.

He was married 62 years to the love of his life, Helen Jean Platis. They wed on July 3, 1964, in Bountiful, Utah. Together they build a home filled lively debate, laughter and unconditional loyalty.

Tom had a sharp mind and sharper wit. He practiced law with tenacity, fairness and heart. Colleagues knew him as a straight shooter, to his family he was their compass. He liked his humor a little irreverent, his arguments well-sourced, and his weekends hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Tom received his Juris Doctor, at the University Utah in 1964 and passed the bar the same year.

He was a law clerk to the Utah Supreme Court justice, State of Utah assistant attorney general, Price City judge, administrative law judge for the state Board of Unemployment and Appeals, of California, and president and general counsel for Hiway, Inc., Topeka, Kansas.

Tom is survived by his wife, his children Tiffany Starbuck (Chad), Christopher Platis (Jen), John Arthur (Rita) and Andrea. He was the proud Papou of five grandchildren: Nova, Rori and Parker Platis; Beau and Ava Starbuck. Tom enjoyed and loved his 12 siblings: Bessie, George, John, Helen, Vange, Nick, Chris, Connie, Mary, Paulette, Paul and Dean.

A family and friends celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please honor Tom by taking someone you love fishing, registering to vote or raising a glass of your favorite beverage and telling a good story with a little irreverence—just the way he liked it.