1947 – 2025
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 buildings. Along with his innovative building and designs he also logged over 1000 boat days on Lake Powell over 50 years. He attended every Telluride Blue Grass 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 bird watcher and photographer and builder. He was an avid hiker, cross country skier and swimmer, swimming everyday year-round. He hiked, jeeped, and rafted every chance he got. A loud Bronco fan, he loved sports.
In his late 20’s and early 30’s he was on the leading-edge transitioning Durango building into solar, taking advantage of view and incorporating streams and mountain ridges into his structures. “Bruce Binkley’s buildings responded 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 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 design architect on such building as the Durango Main Mall and the Pagosa Springs Post office. He was the architect for the Boulevard apartments, at least 4 motels as well 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 for 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 pergola. More projects include turning the old Sears’ building into a modern medical practice and Bravo with John Wong.
As per his wishes, he will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to the High Desert Humane Society, 150 W Mesquite St, Globe, AZ 85501 would be appreciated.
