Howard Laurence Platter passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 28, 2023 at the age of 81. Born and raised in Spokane WA, he graduated from Gonzaga Prep HS and got his BS from Gonzaga University. Howard earned his medical degree from the University of Washington. He served as a Navy physician during the Vietnam War and later continued his service in the army reserves. Howard devoted his life as a doctor serving veterans at the VA hospital, as well as mentoring medical residents and nurses of all generations, impacting countless lives. He was a devout Catholic and loyal member of the Our Lady of Fatima parish and the Knights of Columbus. Howard always loved being on the water, while on his boat on Newman Lake or at Fort Peck where he loved to fish. He is survived by his wife Elaine, son Daniel (Cindy), daughter Laurie (Jesse) and granddaughter Brooke.