ALBANY, NY: Mark Plaat was one of the founders of Save the Pine Bush in February, 1978. He led many hikes, cleanups, and organized a cross-country ski race. Here is his obituary.
On May 13th, Mark Plaat, loving husband and father of two boys passed away at the age of 72.
Mark was born on May 8, 1950 along with his twin sister Tina, in Bronx NY to Shirley and Julius Plaat. He left home to attend SUNY Albany where he got his BS in Environmental Sciences and continued his education at RPI where he received a MS in Urban Planning.
He was a charter member of PYE (Protect Your Environment) at SUNY Albany and an advocate from then on as a charter member of Save the Pine Bush. He also became an active member and leader of the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. He was a member of PSIA and an active ski instructor at Jiminy Peak Resort for more than 20 years. Mark retired from over 20 years of retail service at Homebrew Emporium in Defreestville New York where he made many cherished friends.
Mark had a passion for skiing, camping, hiking, biking, travel, and music. A child of the 60’s and Grateful Dead fan, he also loved Jazz and the Blues which he could play a mean harmonica to when the spirit moved him. He also enjoyed homebrewing beer and wine to share with friends.
Mark was predeceased by his parents, Shirley and Julius Plaat. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy (Leicht) Plaat, his sons Louis (Holly Proper-Plaat), and Daniel. He was blessed with four beautiful granddaughters, Adelaide, Ellanora, Seraphina, and Rosetta. He is also survived by his sister, Tina Ponzo and nephews Andrew (Hillary) and Jeffrey (Robin). Mark also left behind many loving cousins, sister and brother in laws, additional nieces and nephews, and cherished friends, especially Andy, Bill, and Ted
A funeral service was held at Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany New York 12206 on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at noon. Followed by his burial at Memory Gardens in Colonie and a small reception at the Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Rd #1, Albany NY 12205.
Donations in Mark’s memory may be made to Friends of the Pine Bush Community, Adirondack Mountain Club-Trails, or the Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy.