Richard Harrison (Dick) Truly, 86, passed away February 27, 2024, at his home in Genesee, Colorado, with his wife, Cody, by his side.

Richard was born on November 12, 1937, in Fayette, Mississippi, to James Bennett Truly and Jessie Smith Sheehan Truly. He was raised by his mom and grandmother, Bessie.

Richard was a husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He taught us how to whistle, fold paper airplanes, drive a car, and mow the lawn. He helped us understand inflation when our allowance increased, the importance of paying back a loan, and the value of procrastination: never peak too early. He shared with us his love for stargazing, satellite spotting, genealogy, and enjoying a great book. He would go to great lengths to avoid camping. He was our biggest champion and always there for all of us.

Richard was an Eagle Scout, stamp collector, bird watcher, and puzzle solver.

He was a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, Kappa Alpha fraternity brother, aeronautical engineer, naval aviator, fighter pilot, test pilot, shuttle astronaut, and NASA administrator. He led the Georgia Tech Research Institute and National Renewable Energy Laboratory and was a trustee at Colorado School Of Mines and Regis University. He was a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy and, particularly important to him, a member of the Golden Eagles. While his positions and roles were lofty, Richard always wanted it to be known that it was the people on the ground doing the work who deserved the recognition.

Richard is survived by wife, Colleen “Cody” Hanner Truly; his three children, Mike, Dan, and Lee; grandchildren, Ashley, Courtney, Peter, Daniel, and Annie; and greatgrandchildren, Luke, Zach, Ella, Reese, Jude, and Lark.

Richard Truly had one hell of a life and will be missed to the ends of the earth.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In place of flowers, please consider donating to: Safe Harbor Lab Rescue https://www. safeharborlabrescue.org/, Abode Hospice https://abodehospiceandhomehealth.com/ donate/ or Highland Rescue Team https://highlandrescue.colorado.gov/