Well-respected author Tony Hillerman has died at 83 years old. He was known for his vivid cultural descriptions of the various peoples he wrote about including the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and the list goes on. His best known series was the Leaphorn and Chee books, which featured a Native American protagonist.

Hillerman served in the 103rd infantry division and was awarded the Silver star, the Bronze star and a Purple Heart. He was a journalist from 1948 to 1962 and after recieivng a master’s degree, taught journalism from 1966 to 1987 at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque

All the best to the Hillerman family.