WATERFORD — Henry Plate, 96, passed away on August 30, 2022, surrounded by family and a panoramic view of his beloved farm.

Henry was born on October 12, 1925, to Henry and Esther (Nelson) Plate in Ridgefield, N.J. He lived in West Springfield, Mass., Ithaca N.Y., and Manlius N.Y., but his true home would be Waterford, Maine. While Henry attended Camp Waganaki in Waterford, his parents spotted an old farm next door and purchased what would become the
Plate Farm in 1940. Henry found true joy at “The Farm,” and it profoundly influenced his life. He and his parents turned the property into a home. He taught himself to farm, planting fields of corn as a teenager to sell to a local cannery. He would plant gardens for the rest of his life, but was happier growing vegetables than eating them.

His passion for farming led him to the University of Maine (Orono), earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Dairy Husbandry (interrupted by two years in the Army during World War II), followed by a Master’s in Agronomy. He worked at the Eastern States Farmers Exchange (which would become Agway), retiring as chief agronomist after 39 years.

Eastern States was the other place he found “Joy,” for it was there that “a cute girl kept winking at me. There was nothing I could do except ask Joyce Walker for a date.” He presented her engagement ring on the shores of McWain Pond and they married in 1958, soon joined by son Bob (1962) and daughter Karen (1963).

There was no place Henry would rather be than at “The Farm,” a Jack Daniels in his hand, surrounded by family, friends, and the breathtaking views. He and Joy moved to Waterford year-round in 2005, and he enjoyed morning swims, driving his tractors, fixing the barn, and straightening perfectly good rock walls.

He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, with a welcoming smile and a dry sense of humor. He loved getting on the floor to play with his dogs, and relished visits from family and friends.

Henry was always ready to help. His volunteer activities included the Stoneham Rescue Service, Manlius (N.Y.) Fire Department, and Waterford Congregational Church (head trustee). And for years, Henry greeted guests and took tickets at the Wilkins Community House breakfasts.

Henry will be missed by his wife of 64 years, Joy, of Waterford; son, Bob Plate (daughter-in-law Kathy) of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughter Karen Shelnutt (son-in-law Rex), of Douglasville, Ga.; grandchildren Jessica Plate (Shehan Peiris); Austin Shelnutt (Brittany); Kelsey Cote (Matt); Taylor Mund (Cole); and Jeff Plate; six great-grandchildren; and the many friends and care providers who have become his extended family.

If you come over the crest of McWain Hill at the right moment and look across the fields of the Plate Farm, you might still spot Henry rumbling across the fields on his tractor with a big grin on his face and a boxer dog in pursuit.

Henry’s life is best summed up in his own words: “I love this place. I like being free, with no house right next to me. I like seeing the Mahoosucs. I have a good wife, two great children, five grandchildren, (six great-grandchildren), and this place. I don’t have any regrets.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s memory to the Waterford Congregational Church, PO Box 59, Waterford, ME 04088 or the Wilkins Community House, also at the same address.

To share memories and condolences with the family please go to www.chandlerfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris.