Richard Dean Kolyer

Richard Dean Kolyer (known as Dickie to all his friends) a cherished husband, devoted father, and esteemed meteorologist, departed from this world on July 13, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Born on February 10, 1937, in the picturesque town of Nyack, New York, he lived a life marked by kindness, love of adventure and a profound appreciation for nature's wonders. His parents owned milk cows and he often said that when he graduated high school, he left as soon as he could and joined the Air Force so he could trade milking cows at 4:00 am in the cold and snow before walking to school, for launching weather balloons in the cold and snow instead! 

Dick devoted his professional life to the art and science of meteorology, serving with distinction as an Air Force Meteorologist, where he achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargeant and retired after 30 years. He spent a year in Vietnam in weather support. His career was a testament to his passion for understanding the intricate details of weather patterns, and he carried this enthusiasm into his personal life with a multitude of interests- photographer, gardener, falconer, archery champion, sailor and love of everything to be found in the Canary Islands, Spain, where he lived with his wife for over 40 years after his retirement. Together they traveled the world, experiencing the cultures and foods of the many countries they visited. 

Education began in the halls of high school, but it was the wisdom gained through traveling the world during his Air Force career and afterwards during retirement that his life experiences and a curious mind shaped Dick into the incredible man he became. His warm personality and welcoming demeanor made him not only a treasured family member but also a source of comfort and joy to all who encountered him. All of his grandchildren adored him and loved when he would make his extra-special Fafa Eggs for them.

 Richard was known for his quiet sense of humor, which infused every gathering with laughter and warmth. He never met a stranger. His grandson Sage’s favorite memory is him singing “Good morning to you, good morning to you, good morning dear Sage, good morning to you!" to wake him up in the morning. His grand-daughter Leah, who was by his side when he passed remembers he was always so happy to see her and her siblings when they’d visit them in Spain and how happy she was to be wherever he was. Grandson Alex remembers how he’d go with him while he practiced skateboarding, he always felt like Fafa had all the time in the world for him. Dick cherished moments spent with family, particularly during the holidays, creating lasting memories that will forever resonate within the hearts of his loved ones. He loved to eat and cook for the family and made the best lasagna. Along with his wife Terry, they made the most wonderful meals that fed our hearts and souls and reminded us all of Spain. 

Dick takes with him the deep love and admiration of his dear wife, Maria Teresa Kolyer, who stood by his side as they navigated through life’s journey together. His children, Carmen Kolyer Weaver of Lubbock, Texas, and Richard Kolyer of Mountain View, California carry forward his legacy, embodying the values and kindness he instilled in them.

His spirit now joins that of his beloved grandparents, as well as his father, Richard Ward Kolyer, his mother, Catherine “Kittie” Kolyer, and his sister, Jeannie Kolyer, each of whom played a fundamental role in his life. Richard’s proudest achievements are his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren who he loved and supported without reservation. His hobbies of gardening, falconry and archery, reflect his deep appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. And though with time, age and disease dimmed his light and his memories, we his family will continue to celebrate Dick’s adventures and extraordinary life. We honor not only his military service but mostly his enduring impact on those he loved and those who loved him. His memory will forever be etched in the fabric of our lives, a testament to a life well-lived, filled with laughter, kindness, and an unyielding zest for life. We will continue your legacy in all we do. We love you, Dad.