Bayfield resident Lester G. Truby died Tuesday April 15, 2014, after a short illness. He was 91.
Mr. Truby was born to Lester and Ethel Truby of Denver on March 1, 1923. After graduating from East High School in Denver in 1941, he began his studies at Colorado School of Mines in Golden. World War II interrupted his college career, where he served as First Lieutenant of the headquarters of the 17th Field Artillery Observation Battalion in Czechoslovakia. After returning from service, he graduated from the School of Mines with a degree in petroleum engineering in 1948.
He was first employed by Humble Oil (now Exxon) in drilling operations and reservoir engineering. On June 28, 1949 he married Kathleen Koeteeuw in Denver. After leaving Humble Oil, he worked for Northwest Pipeline and subsequently spent 19 years with the El Paso Natural Gas Company. Following their acquisition by Burlington Resources, he retired as senior vice president of operations in 1985.
At that time he and Kathleen moved from El Paso to Bayfield. He is survived by his wife of 65 years; sons Charles Truby of Chappell Hill, Texas, Russell Truby of Katy, Texas, Scott Truby of Tulsa, Okla.; three granddaughters and one grandson.
Cremation has occurred. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
