Richard Atmore

Richard Frank Atmore

February 21, 1933 ~ May 4, 2018

Richard Frank Atmore passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 4, 2018 at the age of 85. Frank was born on February 21, 1933 in Raton, New Mexico.  He was the first born son of Richard Francis and Doris Ellen Lane Atmore.

In 1955 Frank married Rena Fae Matlock and together they raised two sons. They later divorced. In 1979 Frank married Linna Sue Fleming Finder. They spent many years together working, traveling, reading, laughing, and loving. Linna passed away March 11, 2018.

Frank spent his early childhood years in a two room cabin on the family ranch in the mountains of New Mexico near Ute Park. He was taught the value of hard work at an early age.

Frank received his elementary education in a one room school house in Ute Park that was warmed by a potbellied stove and educated students first thru sixth grade.  By the time he was 14 years old he was driving the county school bus and transporting his friends and neighbors to school in Cimarron. Much was expected of the students at Cimarron High because there simply was not enough of them to fill each position. Frank was a member of the varsity basketball team. During half-time he would run from the floor to join his fellow band members in the bleachers where he’d play saxophone for half-time entertainment. He would then race back and rejoin the team for the second half of the game.

Music continued to serve Frank well and to help pay for college expenses at New Mexico State University. He formed a country western band known as the Aggie Ramblers where he played rhythm guitar and performed lead vocals. He graduated from NMSU in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. His Graduate studies in mathematics included research and participation in the University’s Physical Science laboratory where he spent many years as supervisor in both the data reduction laboratory and the electronics laboratory. His continuing work with the physical science laboratory took him from the South Pacific to Northern Norway as the team conducted experiments and tests in sounding rocket research for the Air Force, Navy and other government contractors.  Those tests included contracts to participate in high altitude nuclear research programs on Johnston Island in the Pacific.

A job offer with Thiokol Chemical Corporation brought his family from New Mexico to North Ogden Utah in 1963. One of Frank’s greatest accomplishments was achieved in 1969 when he started HealthGarde Corporation. The company’s focus was specializing in the miniaturization of medical electronics.Years later he also helped establish Rocky Mountain Consultants. In 1999 he and Linna Sue returned to New Mexico to help care for his parents and manage the family ranch.

Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. He played many musical instruments and loved spending time with his family.

Frank was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as an Elder and was on the board of directors.

There are giants among us. Men so strong of character and pure of heart that their journey through life alters each person they encounter; men who walk this earth with a stride so sure and steady that they leave behind a legacy of love with each footstep.  Frank Atmore was such a man.

Frank is survived by his son, Robert Joe (Kera) Atmore; his stepchildren, Taylor (Chris) Finder, Robin (Alan) Woodall, and Jason (Hillary) Finder; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family members who adore him. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brother John Charles Atmore, and his son John Mark Atmore.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary.