Richard Jasper Dendy

Born in 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 Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, magna cum laude, from New Mexico State University before receiving a Master of Science 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.

His colleagues knew him not only for his exceptional technical abilities but also for his integrity, humility, and willingness to mentor others. Whether developing enterprise information-sharing strategies, overseeing multimillion-dollar information technology investments, or helping colleagues solve difficult problems, Dick approached every challenge with patience, wisdom, and professionalism.

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.

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. Throughout his career, he held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance and earned the trust and respect of military leaders, civilian colleagues, and government partners alike.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick found joy in life's simpler moments. He loved running, maintained an active lifestyle, participated in 10K races, and valued time spent with friends over dinner and meaningful conversation. Those closest to him remember a man whose intelligence was matched only by his kindness, whose calm presence made others feel at ease, and whose friendship was steadfast and sincere.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Dendy and Jacquelyn Clowers.

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.

Although Dick's work transformed the systems supporting our nation's defense, those who knew him best will remember something even greater: a humble gentleman who lived with integrity, treated others with respect, embraced lifelong learning, and quietly made the world around him better. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched, the innovations he inspired, and the example he set for generations to follow.