Richard Ulrey

Captain Richard (Dick) Duane Ulrey of Boulder, Colorado, formerly of San Diego, California, and Washington State, died peacefully on October 17, 2021. Richard passed away in the presence of his wife, Joy, of over 65 years, and his daughter, Susan Mostek. Richard, the son of Irvin and Belle Ulrey of Spokane, Washington, was born on June 17, 1929 in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho. He graduated from high school in Spokane, and attended Gonzaga University, the University of Oregon, and the University of Washington, where he enrolled in the Dental School in September 1951. Upon receiving of his commission, Dick entered as an Ensign in the Naval Reserve under the Dental Student Program in 1955. Once promoted to Lieutenant, he was ordered to the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA for dental officer training. Throughout his career in the Navy, he served in 17 different duty stations around the world. He served on the USS Proteus and in 1969, on the USS Midway, during the Vietnam war. While on the Midway, he assisted with extensive modernization of their dental spaces which you can still see on the aircraft carrier in San Diego. He assumed command of the Naval Regional Dental Center in Parris Island, South Carolina, in 1979. His final duty station was in London, England where he retired in 1985. Throughout his extensive service, Captain Ulrey received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal, among others. Dick is survived by his wife, Joy Ulrey (née Young), of Seattle, Washington, as well as his son Scott Ulrey (Peri), his daughter Susan (Tony), and five grandchildren David, Marisa, Stephen (Olivia), Robert, and Kevin. Dick was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen Kirkendall of Spokane, Washington. Funeral services for Richard will be held on Monday, October 25th, at 10 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Boulder. His burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Boulder at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to TRU Hospice of Boulder or the Salvation Army.