Frank Redmond

Frank Collister Redmond, 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 16, 2025 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Known as Frank, Collister and Collis, he was born in Albuquerque on August 6, 1937 at Presbyterian Hospital. Frank's parents were Margaret Collister Redmond and James L. Redmond, grandparents were James H. and Lillian Collister and George B and Margaret Redmond.

Frank attended Manzano Day School, in the Huning Castle, and Elementary School, at University Heights. His childhood afternoons were spent absorbing the retail world at Kistler-Collister, his grandfather's department store in downtown Albuquerque. "Papa Collister" encouraged Frank to develop his interest in retailing and his guidance and encouragement were priceless. 

In grade school, Frank joined French's Boys Choir and became a soloist. He enjoyed the music, the discipline and the camaraderie with George Geake, the Choir Director. Frank also performed in numerous productions at the Albuquerque Little Theater under the direction of Katharine Kennedy O'Connor. He enjoyed spending summers at Camp Shaver.

At Jefferson Junior High, he was a soloist for assemblies.

His musical talents were further developed at Highland High by Arthur Loy, Musical Director. Frank was the lead in the annual operetta, The Firefly, his Senior year and also won a Thespian Club award for his performance in the Senior Class Play.

Upon graduating from Highland, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and after serving eight years, was honorably discharged after earning the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

In 1955, while an undergraduate at the University of New Mexico, he joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was voted Best Pledge. As UNM Homecoming House Decorations Chairman, he was involved in and created First Place house decorations welcoming Kappa Sigma alumni. Additionally, his "Labor Victorious" float, with fellow Kappa Sig members posing as Greek Gods, claimed the Sweepstakes Trophy.

He was President of the Fraternity his Senior year, President of the InterFraternity Council, Vice President of the Senior Class and was voted "Outstanding Greek Man" of 1959. During his term as Inter-Fraternity Council President, Greek Week was initiated. Frank was also listed in Who's Who among students in American universities and colleges 1958-1959.

Upon graduation, Frank worked at Kistler-Collister in the Advertising Department, Display Department and as Fashion Show Coordinator.

He married Myrle Van Atta, daughter of Dr. J.R. Van Atta and Helen Sisk Van Atta in June 1960. Frank and Myrle recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

In 1961, Frank, Myrle and his Mother, bought the Bartley Shop, one of the oldest retail stores in the state of New Mexico at the time. It was renamed Redmonds.

After 25 fashionable years, Frank and Myrle retired to travel the world.

Frank is survived by his wife Myrle Van Atta Redmond, two daughters, Margaret Redmond Prejean, her spouse, Robert Prejean, of Dallas, Texas. Elizabeth Redmond Allbright, her spouse, Lee Allbright, of Albuquerque and grandson Benjamin Redmond Allbright, of Albuquerque.

A private family service will be held at a later date.