Richard Duane VanderSys, born November 5, 1944, left his earthly bonds to enter the arms of his Heavenly Father on August 25, 2026.

Ricky, as he was affectionately called by his parents, James "Jim" and Ethel VanderSys, was preceded in death by both of them, as well as his brother, James "Butch" VanderSys, and daughter, Kerri Jo.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia; sisters, Sharon Mason and Pam (Jay) Adams; daughters, Cassi Willoughby, Jodi (Ann) Pyle-VanderSys Kramer, and JoLynn (Joshua) Salazar; and son, Sean K. VanderSys. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Most notably, his sister-in-law, Linda Farmer, who in recent years became one of his most trusted confidants and caregivers.

Ricky was born and raised in Santa Fe, NM. He grew up loving the outdoors and playing sports. He ultimately chose football, where he played for the Santa Fe High School Demons and became a proud graduate of the Class of 1963.

Upon graduating from high school, Richard attended Adams State University, where he would face the first of many crossroads in his life. In March of 1966, he left college and began his enlistment in the United States Air Force as a Security Policeman.

His service took him to many different locations throughout the United States. His enlistment included a one-year tour at Johnston Atoll, where, almost 30 years later, his daughter Jodi would find herself stationed while serving in the United States Army.

Upon leaving the Air Force, Richard came home to Santa Fe and became a New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officer, where he honorably served the people of New Mexico until he faced another crossroads.

In 1972, Richard left the NMSP and joined the ranks of United Parcel Service (UPS). He started as a delivery driver and worked his way up to an over-the-road feeder driver, hauling two trailers, where he served for the majority of his career. In 2012, Richard was finally able to hang up his "Buster Brown" uniform after 40 years of safe driving.

During those first years of driving as a feeder driver, he found himself driving to Trinidad, a small southern Colorado town. This is where, unbeknownst to him, his future sister-in-law, Linda Farmer, would introduce him to his future wife, Patricia, at the Frontier Restaurant.

In July 1978, Richard and Patricia were married and began their life together, which would last for the next 48 years. They began that journey in Santa Fe, where they would raise their family. In 1991, the VanderSys family would find themselves at another crossroads as the family moved to Rio Rancho, where they have remained to this day.

Richard made friends wherever he went, and those friendships remained throughout his life. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and waterskiing, usually at Conchas Dam State Park. On Friday nights, there was a good chance you would find him at Coronado Lanes doing something else he loved: bowling.

As a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, Richard experienced many highs, lows, and plenty of disappointments. The one thing that never disappointed him was his family. He loved his family deeply, and the void that he has left will always be felt.

A Public Visitation will take place Friday, September 4th, 2026 at French Funerals - Westside at 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87114 at 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 AM. Burial will take place Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 at 11:15 AM.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds! Rest well, Dad. We've got it from here.