Alfred Robert Joseph Plachta, 82, passed away on August 20,2001. Al was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1918. At an early age his family moved to Walla Walla where he was raised and helped his family through the depression working in the cannery .While attending Seattle University, Al discovered his love for speech and drama. Following graduation with a degree in chemistry and pharmacology he studied at the Cornish College of the Arts in preparation for a career in broadcasting. This career took him throughout the Northwest United States. He moved to the Tri-Cities in 1963. Al and Rita Mary Agnes Chott were married in 1942. In fifty-eight years of loving companionship, they raised eleven children. Al is survived by his wife, 10 of their children, 18 grandchildren, and 2 2/3 great- grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by the many who love him. Despite his post-polio syndrome, he pursued his life-long hobbies of gardening and fishing. These activities continued during his retirement and were a motivating factor in many ofhis children's activities, as well. Al's love for, and ability to write, poetry were demonstrated in many loving tributes to his wife, Rita. The energies that Al displayed in the care ofhis family were transferred to community volunteer work following his retirement in the early 1980's. His gregarious nature served him well in service to the Tri-Cities Food Bank, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Easter Seals. He received the Heart of Gold Volunteer Award in 1990. Al was a devout Catholic, a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and was very active in Christ the King parish. A memorial Mass in celebration ofhis life will be held at 7 PM, Saturday, August 25,2001 at Christ the King Church, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the school cafeteria. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Society of St. Vincent de Paul.