Bruce Augustus

Bruce Augustus, 83, of Hailey, passed away on June 29th in his home with his family by his side.

Bruce was a remarkable thinker who never stopped learning and had several careers throughout his life. After graduating from Cornell University in 1958, he worked as an aeronautical engineer on a team that designed the re-entry heat shield for the Apollo 7 space mission. He then attended UCLA Law School and became an attorney, while teaching sailing and racing in regattas in his free time.

Bruce fell in love with the Wood River Valley during a ski trip in 1977 and decided to make it his home. He started a small flying service called Augustus Airlines and thoroughly enjoyed piloting charter flights around the Western US. Bruce managed the Devil’s Bedstead Building in Ketchum where he had an office for many years.

He was recognized around the world for his first-class model airplane building and flying - a hobby he enjoyed from childhood throughout his life.

For his final career, Bruce was the editor of SAM Speaks, a magazine for model airplane enthusiasts.

Bruce met his future wife Jan in 1979, and they raised their 2 daughters in Zinc Spur.

Bruce will be remembered for the sparkle in his eye and the smile on his face. He was always up for a good time and loved to sail, ski, snowboard, jog, and fly.

Bruce is survived by his wife Jan Augustus, and daughters Julia (Alex) Malich, and Gillian Augustus, sister Nancy Augustus, and grandson Augustus Malich.

A celebration of life will be held at the Augustus home on August 4th. Bruce’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley, the Senior Connection, Crystal Fuller and the compassionate crew who helped care for Bruce.