Bruce Wayne Binkley

Bruce Wayne Binkley, 77, has died of an apparent medical problem while soloing on his boat on Lake Powell.

Bruce was an architect who pioneered solar design and creative incorporation of the Durano CO terrain into his building. Along with his innovative building and designs, he also logged over 1000 boat days on Lake Powell for over 50 years. He attended every Telluride Bluegrass Music festival from its inception, 1994 to 2023. Hundreds attended Bruce and Sue's annual Labor Day picnics at their home on CR 206 in Durango

He was a birdwatcher, photographer, and builder. He was an avid hiker and swimmer, swimming every day year-round.

In his late 20s and early 30s, he was on the leading edge, transitioning Durango building into solar, taking advantage of the view and incorporating streams and mountain ridges into his structures. "Bruce Binkley's buildings respond directly to their specific site and climate concerns. His office literally bridges over a rushing stream, and he incorporates both passive solar glass and active solar panels into the exterior shape of his houses", reported the Architect, a publication of AIA Colorado in January 2001. His home in Durango was unique in that it was built around a ridge, and all rooms opened up to that ridge, which was planted with lush tropical plants.

An early mentee of Bruce's reports, "he hired me to be a drafter, and I ended up being a framer that summer. He drew beautiful blueprints like only an artist could. He invented innovative, open, and uplifting architecture. He was kind, stubborn, serious, lighthearted, and loved his music and Lake Powell. I'm not sure what happens when we die, but I'll bet there's a warm beach, music, and a patio boat under the endless stars."

Binkley and his wife, Sue, moved to Durango in 1973, recent graduates of Kent State University. During his 38 years in Durango, he was a design architect on such buildings as the Durango Main Mall and the Pagosa Springs Post Office. He was the architect for the Boulevard apartments, at least 7 motels, and as many as private homes in the area.

Binkley was active in Durango until 2011, when he moved to Globe, Arizona, where he continued to design residential and commercial projects in addition to working as the volunteer architect for the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park, which both preserves the mining history of the Globe area and provides hiking trails to promote fitness.

Binkley's death occurred on his favorite lake, Lake Powell, which he visited regularly throughout his lifetime. He used this alone time to recharge his artistic nature.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Binkley, and their two dogs, who live in Globe, AZ. His Arizona projects include: the apartments at Dream Manor Inn, the Vineyard's main building, as well as the covered patio. More projects include the old Sears building into a modern medical practice and Bravo with Jon Wong.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Humane Society or a local Historical Society.
Donate Here https://hdhsglobe.org/home (You can tap the address to go to a new page)

As per his wishes, he will be cremated.

Cremation services will be done by Magleby Mortuary and Cremation Center in Richfield, Utah