Mike Redpath

After a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Mike passed away surrounded by his proudest accomplishment – his family. It was so fast; his family is still trying to recover from the loss.

Mike was born February 1st, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Central High School and Yale University. He went to California with his college roommate with the intention to attend law school, but his plans changed when he met the love of his life - Mayo Higson. After a short courtship, Mike & Mayo married and went on to enjoy 62 years of a wonderful marriage.

After welcoming two young children – Todd & Jill – to their family while in California, Mike & Mayo moved to Cincinnati, Ohio for a business opportunity. While in Cincinnati they welcomed another daughter – Pam.

Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit was always willing to bet on himself. That was most evident when Mike bought a small children’s clothing factory in Denison, Texas. Over the next two decades, Redpath Apparel Group would grow into the largest children’s dress manufacturer in the country – employing thousands of workers across Texas and Oklahoma. While in Texas, Mike & Mayo added their fourth child – Marilyn. Mike’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements to the vast network of friendships he nurtured and all his interests.

Mike played tennis as a youth and was on the Junior Davis Cup Team. While in Cincinnati, Mike played on the Tri-State Team. In Dallas, at Northwood Club, Mike’s name is still enshrined on the wall for singles club champion as well as national recognition. Mike took up golf and joined Preston Trail Golf Club and enjoyed playing golf and trips to Ireland.

Mike loved outdoors and hunting. He was an excellent shot and won the national skeet shooting championship for his age group. Mike had a duck camp in Louisiana – Le Canard Maison– that was the site of many trips with family and friends. He entertained with good wine, good food and great hunts.

Aviation was his passion for over 50 years. He got his instrument rating on a single engine plane, but eventually worked his way up to piloting a business jet. He was until the day he died a docent at Frontiers of Flight Museum, where he shared his knowledge and love of flying.

He was a voracious reader and read at least a book a week. His love of reading led him to start a Monday Book Club. Although, after twenty-five years, that club became more about “solving the world’s problems.”

Mike and Mayo traveled extensively with friends, family and Y.P.O but their favorite place became their home away from home - Watersound, Florida. The Watersound West community become some of their closest friends.

Mike felt his greatest achievement was his 62 year marriage to Mayo, his 4 children, his 12 cherished grandchildren and his 2 great-grandchildren. He found immense joy and pride in his family and deep appreciation for family traditions. Mike always did things the right way. At the end of the day, all who crossed Mike’s path would say he lived his life to the fullest and was a good man.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Mayo; his 4 children, Todd Redpath, Jill Redpath Noland (William), Pam Redpath Metzger (Mike), Marilyn Redpath Koettker (Chris), cherished grandchildren Trevor and Chase Redpath, Madison Noland Hudson (Andrew), Bryan, Austin and Madeline Noland, Elizabeth St. Marie (Ryne), Michael Metzger (Rachel), Emily and Matthew Metzger, Grace Koettker and his two great-granddaughters, Charlotte St. Marie and Marilyn Hudson. Mike is preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Caroline Koettker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Sparkman Hillcrest, 7405 W. Northwest Highway. A reception will immediately follow at Northwood Club, 6524 Alpha Road.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to T. Boone Pickens Faith Presbyterian Hospice, 12477 Merit Drive, Dallas, TX 75251.