Henry "Hank" Piatote

Henry "Hank" Piatote, 84, died Wednesday afternoon, June 18, 2014 in Puyallup, Washington. Born May 13, 1930, to the Nespelem, Washington home of William and Margaret Thompson-Piatote he attended Puyallup High School. A standout all-around athlete, the recent high school graduate was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers pro-baseball team, an offer young Hank turned down, to pursue life's adventures and see the world. On April 5, 1950, he joined the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean conflict, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and attained the rank of Airman First Class prior to his honorable discharge on September 2, 1953. After earning his Bachelors' Degree, Hank worked as a civil engineer with Waste Water Management Services with Indian Health Services of Seattle, Washington. Never losing his love of adventure, Hank traveled throughout the United States and many countries participating in his hobby of photography. One of Hank's greatest joys was attending Seattle Mariners games with his brother Melvin.

Predeceased by both of his parents; brothers: Melvin and Wesley Piatote; infant sisters: Theresa and Mae Piatote, nephew Melvin Piatote and cousins: Sharon Redthunder and Ned Comedown Jr., Hank is survived by nephews: Monte Piatote, Mike Piatote, Marc Piatote and Paul Ann Piatote and first cousins: Delores Palmanteer-McNevins, Maurice Socula, Theresa Elisoff (Jeff), Charlene Bear Cub, Minerva Bear Cub, Adam Bear Cub Jr., Sam Bear Cub and Martin Comedown.

On Friday June 20, 2014 at 2 p.m., a Family Dressing took place at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, followed by a 7 p.m., Rosary at the Nespelem Longhouse in Nespelem, Wash. A 10 a.m., funeral Mass was held Saturday at the Nespelem Longhouse, followed by burial with military honors at the Little Nespelem Cemetery.

Please sign Hank's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be serving Hank's family.