Henry Platt Brightwell Staunton died Jan. 27, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77.

Born in Charleston, W.V., on March 7, 1943, Platt grew up in a home perched on a hill in Charleston. Alongside his siblings, he spent his childhood in the family homestead underneath the watchful eye of the hickory tree. In his free time he played tennis, swam and rode bikes with his friends. In eighth grade he left on the train to attend the Fessenden School and went to Millbrook, N.Y. for high school. There he expanded his love of athletics into football and ice hockey. One evening Platt and a friend took it upon themselves to rid the school zoo of rodents and during their expedition the aquarium unfortunately collided with his baseball bat. After graduation, Platt took a celebratory cross country road trip with his dear friends Griff and Ted, then continuing his education at Washington and Lee University where he studied French, joined the swimming team and rode his motorcycle.

In 1969, he headed to Boston in his VW bug where he met his future wife Leslie Pitchford. They had two children, Merrill and Jon, and made their home in Belmont. After learning the ropes of executive recruiting, he founded his own firm, Platt Staunton Associates, which specialized in medical device and biotechnology companies.

In 1984, he lost his beloved Leslie. Platt found love again when Gib walked into his life. They married in 1987 and the family soon welcomed Chelsea and Stewart. In 1994, the family relocated to Charlottesville, Va., where they became immersed in the local community and University of Virginia athletics. Platt’s true passion was being a dad to his four children. He was an unwavering presence in each of their lives. This warmth extended to his five grandchildren and many others who saw him as a father figure. He was a gentle soul and a great listener who met people where they were. His love of the sea, fascination with storms, and wonder of the night sky will live on in his children.

He was predeceased by his parents Frederick Marshall Staunton and Elizabeth Brightwell Staunton; his first wife Leslie Pitchford Staunton; brothers Frederick Staunton and Sidney Augustus Staunton. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Gibson Brockenbrough Staunton; daughter Merrill Staunton Woodriff and her husband Jaffray, son Jonathan Brightwell Staunton and his wife Blair, daughter Chelsea Meek Staunton and son Stewart Bryan Staunton; five grandchildren, Piers Woodriff, Henry Woodriff, Dorothy (Thea) Woodriff, Parker Staunton and Leslie Laura (Lulu) Staunton. He is also survived by his beloved sisters Elizabeth Staunton Johnson and Fanny White Staunton Ogilvie; and a loving and tight-knit network of extended family.

A small family memorial was held in Platt’s honor and a larger celebration will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Be Happy Team (https://tinyurl.com/behappyteam) which supports food scarcity and education for young children in Ghana started by Edward Opoku, a Millbrook and UVA grad, who has become an extended member of the Staunton family.

Condolences can be shared online at www.hillandwood.com.