Richard Jasper Dendy

Born in Houston, Texas on October 28, 1947, Dick lived a life defined by curiosity, innovation, service, and quiet excellence. A gifted mathematician and lifelong learner, he earned a B.S. in Mathematics, magna cum laude, from New Mexico State University before receiving a M.S. in Information Systems Technology from George Washington University. His commitment to professional growth continued throughout his career as he completed executive education through the National Defense University and earned certifications in Chief Information Officer leadership, information resources management, program management, and computer information systems.

Dick devoted nearly 40 years to advancing information technology in service to the United States government. Beginning as a mathematician with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command at White Sands Missile Range, he analyzed missile flight test data before moving into operations research and systems development for the U.S. Army Information Systems Command and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). As one of the original contributors to the Federal Simulation Center (FEDSIM), he helped pioneer innovative computer simulation and performance evaluation models while supporting numerous federal agencies.

In 1977, Dick joined the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, where his remarkable career flourished over the next twenty-eight years. Through vision, technical expertise, and thoughtful leadership, he helped shape the modernization of military information systems supporting joint planning, operations, doctrine, and transformational initiatives. He served in numerous leadership positions, including Senior Information Technology Specialist, Chief Knowledge Engineer, Deputy Chief Information Officer, and ultimately Chief Information Officer for the Joint Staff.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation, Dick received the Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award, one of the Joint Staff's highest honors for civilian employees.

Following his retirement from federal service in 2005, Dick continued sharing his expertise as an Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, where he advised senior Department of Defense leaders on enterprise architecture, strategic planning, technology forecasting, and systems interoperability.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Jacquelyn Dendy and sister, Lynda K. Dendy.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted life partner, Kathryn Anne Hewett, along with many dear friends, former colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.