Derick Watanabe Lopez (70), passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2026. He was a 45-year resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He was formerly a resident of Pearl City Hawaii, (Oahu) where he grew up and graduated from Damien high school in ‘74. Derick was then accepted into the United States Air Force Academy where he studied computer science and graduated in 1978.
He then studied at Stanford University, earning his master’s degree, followed by CSU Fort Collins, Colorado, where he earned his Doctorate, while pinning on Major in the US Air Force, then later teaching computer science at the Air Force Academy.
He was a computer scientist and specialized in cyber security for Northrop Grumman for 25 years.
Derick was born on May 1, 1956, to Francisco Lopez and Kazue (Watanabe) Lopez in Tokyo Japan.
On June 1, 1985, he married Joni Cox in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Dex was an avid photographer, self-taught classical guitarist, gun enthusiast, and fourth-degree black belt in taekwondo.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years; two sons, Taylor Lopez (Leah) and Jason Lopez; sister, Clair Kelly; and four grandchildren, Philip, Shiloh, Penelope, and Alexander.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Francisco and Kazue Lopez; and sister, Teresa Hill.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Derick, may be made to San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society (SLVAWS) 76 El Rio Dr. Alamosa, Colorado 81101.