District Judge Gary Redmon dies at age 65

Kim Smith

Monday, Aug. 28, 2000 | 11:50 a.m.

The flags at the Clark County Courthouse, Government Center and Family and Youth Services building were lowered to half staff today as those who knew District Judge Gary Redmon mourned his death.

Redmon, 65, died at his home Saturday night, 26 months after he underwent a heart transplant.

"The court is deeply saddened by the loss of a hard-working, dedicated judge," Court Administrator Chuck Short wrote in a memo to all court personnel. "His sense of independence and courage to prevail in the face of tremendous obstacles will always be with us."

After more than 20 years as a criminal and family law attorney, Redmon took the bench at Family Court in January 1997. He then ran successfully for a newly created civil and criminal judgeship in November 1998. His term was to expire Dec. 31, 2002.

Short said he was greatly saddened by the death of Redmon, who has been handling civil cases, including the palimony suit brought by Sandy Murphy against the estate of Ted Binion.

"He was just a good man, a very good man," Short said. "He was fair and he was an excellent listener."

Short and Redmon's judicial assistant, Diane Woofter, said Redmon never missed a chance to urge people to become organ donors.

"After every trial, Judge Redmon would tell the jurors that he may not be the only judge with a heart, but he could prove he had a heart because he got his from UCLA," Woofter said.

Woofter said Redmon was humbled that he was given a second chance.

"He's the type of man who should've been given 22 extra years because he was such a good man," Woofter said.

Longtime friends and fellow attorneys Tom Pitaro and John Fadgen said Redmon will be greatly missed.

"He was an outstanding judge and an even better person," Pitaro said. "He was a good guy who liked public service."

Fadgen called Redmon a "fine man and a good judge."

Short said Chief District Judge Lee Gates asked all bailiffs to wear black stripes over their badges in remembrance of Redmon.

Redmon, who received his law degree from the University of San Diego, leaves behind his wife, Betty, and a daughter. Services are pending at Palm Mortuary's downtown office.

"I know Betty and his family will deeply miss him, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them," Short said.

Short said he expects Gov. Kenny Guinn will appoint Redmon's successor within three to four months. Senior Judge James Brennan will hear his cases this week.