Richard James Redpath

A Recognized and Honored Professional Engineer

October 27, 1939 - May 22, 2015

Recognized and honored as a Professional Engineer most colleagues describe Richard as an "engineer's engineer" always "hands-on" whether the Chief Engineer, Director of Engineering, Vice President of Engineering, or Corporate Officer and Board Member. He loved his profession. He took pride in knowing that many of his contributions touch our lives every day from Band-Aids and baby products, pet food, crayons, cereal, and tuna fish only to name a few. His achievements varied from the development of a little local ski area in Colorado into a popular destination ski resort known today as Keystone to the renovation of the arena where the St Louis Blues Hockey Team once played.

Other contributions were much more complex such as managing the construction and implementation of the first 2 Million Curie, wet pool Cobalt 60 sterilizer installation in the USA, planning for the elimination of PCBs, or working with teams of scientists and formulation specialists to rid toxic dyes from inks, paints, and product ingredients. Richard has left his imprint on many items used in hospitals today such as endoscopic equipment to mask and gowns for hospital staff. More recently, using acquired patented technology, Richard conceived, designed, and commissioned commercial scale microbiological destruction process systems that destroy viruses and bacterial contamination on a BSL3/4 laboratory level. Many of his installations are found in government agencies, university research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and major hospitals. He provided the expertise in bringing to market several medical devices. One such device is an Implantable Ventricular Assist Device or LVAD recently made known to the public through interviews with former Vice President Dick Chaney.

Richard served as National Director of Engineering for Johnson and Johnson's Domestic Operating Company New Brunswick NJ where he managed major capital expenditures to create high speed mechanisms for product and process machinery and new energy efficient manufacturing systems and controls. He chaired the Johnson & Johnson Council of Engineering Directors toward developing worldwide strategic safety, environmental, and energy plans.

Recruited by Ralston Purina St. Louis MO as VP Engineering and Corporate Officer reporting directly to the Board of Directors to build Corporate Engineering with accountability for worldwide capital project investments including the creation of a full service synchronized project management organization in support of all the engineering disciplines. He directed the construction management for Ralston's expansion in the South Pacific, Asia, Europe, and Puerto Rico.

Richard came to Greensboro, NC for a challenge. He was engaged by Guilford Mills to acquire the latest technology to retrofit certain USA textile plants and manage construction of a 600,000 sq. ft./600 acre facility in Tampico, Mexico. At Guilford Mills he served as Vice President of Engineering and an elected Board Member. In recent years Richard lent his expertise and experience to the Biotech industry as a Professional Engineering Consultant at times being retained through Guidepoint Global formerly the Society of Industry Leaders, Vista Research, Division of Standard and Poor's.

As an active member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Richard was part of the Industrial Advisory Board that consisted of 60 of the highest level Engineering Officers from major corporations. This group represented all categories of industry and provided benchmarking for excellence and sharing of best environmental compliance practices. He also served as a Committee Member on the National Research Council for the National Science Foundation. A product of these relationships resulted in the publication of Engineering Education and Practice in the United States published by the National Academy Press Washington DC for which he was one of the co-authors and major contributors.

Nationally recognized by the National Society of Professional Engineers as USA's Outstanding Engineer in Industry Richard received the Distinguished Service Award for his work in Computer Integrated Manufacturing for the first "lights out" totally automated pet food plant. Other recognitions included Energy Management Executive of the Year from the Association of Energy Engineers and Missouri Outstanding Engineer in Industry. These recognitions led to major speaking engagements for worldwide conferences in the Pacific Rim and major Universities such Washington University St. Louis MO

Richard started early mastering his craft. Accepted at the competitive Brooklyn Technical High School, one of New York City's premier magnet schools, where he was immersed in engineering and math courses. He graduated cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University Teaneck NJ with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from City University of New York. Post graduate study included Certification in World Class Manufacturing from Duke University Fuqua School of Business and formal education and training at the (AECC) Atomic Energy Commission Canada in Ottawa for radiation safety and construction. At the time of his passing Richard was licensed as a Professional Engineer in five states.

As a volunteer Richard served as Chairman of the Greater St Louis County Missouri YMCA Fund Raiser and Organizational Program. He solicited all major Corporations for resources to provide funding for a new after school program referred to as the "Latch Key" program. As Board Member for the Middlesex County New Jersey Boy Scouts of America he acted as the senior advisor regarding major capital expenditures including bidding documents, contracting, and project management. In conjunction with the National Science Foundation Richard actively promoted the "Math Counts" program for educational excellence.

Richard always wanted his epitaph to be "he gave more than he took". His accomplishments speak to his success.

Richard passed away on a beautiful "Carolina Blue" day what originally attracted him to North Carolina.

Richard is survived by his wife and buddy of over 36 years, Cheryl Redpath of Greensboro NC, his son Ryan Redpath and daughter-in-law Sarah Redpath of Charlotte NC and two grandchildren Cameron and Avery Redpath. He is also survived by two sons from a former marriage Richard Redpath, Jr. and James Redpath, and six grandchildren, his sister Carol Olsen and brother John Redpath both of Florida.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Richard's memory to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407 or to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405