Peter Joseph Platek

News | July 15, 2008

Contributed report
The Aspen Times
Aspen, CO Colorado

 
Peter Joseph Platek passed away Friday, July 11, 2008, in Grand Junction.

Pete was born and raised in Moodus, Conn., in 1963 with his mother and father, Caroline and Joseph, and his sister and brother, Karen and Garrett. He found his love of music at the early age of 9, when he learned to play the guitar and became a member of the folk group at his church.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, Pete’s love of the mountains and outdoors brought him to Aspen. He began his career as a chef, working for Creative Catering, and quickly found his niche as both chef and musician. Pete was a founding member of the Lone Pine Bluegrass Band, playing banjo and guitar, and singing. While working, Pete also found time for the things he loved, such as skiing, hiking and biking. Pete was always there to help out anyone in need and became an intricate member of this community with his infectious smile and loving heart.

In 1995, Pete met the love of his life, Diane Smith. Diane and Pete were married in 2000 on Snowmass Mountain, and, in 2005, they welcomed their son, Bryce, into the world. Pete’s greatest roles in life were that of husband and father, and he loved his family with a passion most could only dream of. Pete ultimately became the head chef of Gwyn’s High Alpine and could be seen most Thursdays playing at the Double Dog.

His spirit and legacy will be carried on by his wife, Diane; son, Bryce; his mother, Caroline; sister and brother-in-law Karen and Tom and their children, Mike and Katie; and his brother and sister-in-law, Garrett and Laura. His friends in Aspen will hold his memory in their hearts.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Fondest Farewell to Pete Platek

Pete, pictured here (far right) with the Lone Pine Bluegrass Band

Quoted from the Aspen Times, July 12 edition: "Longtime local musician and chef Pete Platek of Aspen reportedly died Friday as a result of complications from an injury to his arm. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office confirmed Friday evening that Platek died at 2:05 p.m., although a spokesman said he did not have the cause of death available. Hospital administrator Scott Coleman said he, also, was not aware of the cause of death. Platek played banjo and guitar and sang for the Lone Pine Bluegrass Band, as well as working as a chef in the area. He reportedly had been in the valley for approximately 15 to 20 years. He injured his arm Thursday, had it treated at Aspen Valley Hospital and was released, according to friends. But on Friday, Platek was back in the hospital for treatment of an unexplained problem. He was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction for emergency care, where he died, friends said. Platek is survived by his wife, Diane, and a child."

I can't believe it. Pete's gone? I am one of many, many, many people who are heartbroken by this news. Peter was one of the 'good guys,' kind, gentle and a great talent. He contributed so much. What the hell happened? I'll write more as I learn more. Like lots of others, I'm pretty sad right now....


July 14 update: I understand from a friend of Pete's that he went to Aspen Valley Hospital because he thought he had somehow injured his arm. The arm was treated and he was released. He returned the following day, still in pain. It was ascertained that he had a staph infection. He was air-lifted to St. Mary’s in Grand Junction, where he passed away. His spirit and legacy will be carried on by his wife Diane; son Bryce; his mother Caroline; sister and brother-in-law Karen and Tom and their children Mike and Katie; and his brother and sister-in-law, Garrett and Laura. His friends in Aspen will hold his memory in their hearts. A memorial service will be held for Pete on Wednesday, July 16, at the concert meadow on Aspen Mountain. Free gondola rides to the service will be available from 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

July 17 update: A member of the Mesa County coroner’s office confirmed on July 16 that necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly called the “flesh-eating bacteria,” is the cause of death listed on Pete’s death certificate. According to his widow Diane and accounts from friends, Pete was injured, but apparently not cut, while he was moving on July 10 from one apartment to another. He reportedly was taken to Aspen Valley Hospital when he began to experience considerable pain. After being examined and released with medications to treat inflammation and pain, Pete reportedly went home for a while but then was taken back to the hospital later in the day, complaining of ever-worsening pain. He was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he died at 2:05 p.m. on July 11 while being treated in the intensive care unit. His Wednesday memorial service was attended by some 200 friends and mourners. A memorial fund in his name has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank in Aspen.

Pete, we’ll all miss you.

Posted byAmyat11:54 AM

Cody Joseph Allen Decker

Cody Jo passed away in his father’s arms at Valley View Hospital on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. He was born on Oct. 18, 1985. Cody was the sous chef at Gwynn’s High Alpine Restaurant. Cody Jo loved his friends and his family with a passion. A young man with a passion for life taken too early. Cody is survived by his brother, Rusty, and his father, Russ. We would love to thank all of his friends and everyone in the valley who have helped during this time. Cody will be missed by all, thank you — the Decker family. http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20090213/OBITUARIES/902139964&parentprofile=search