Bruce Marean Belcher

1931 - 2025

Bruce Marean Belcher

March 29, 1931 - November 15, 2025

Boise, Idaho - Bruce Marean Belcher, 94, of Boise, Idaho, passed away suddenly from congestive heart failure on November 15, 2025. Curious, independent, & deeply connected to nature, Bruce lived a remarkable life-one that carried him from a young hunter in Colorado to a devoted defender & photographer of wildlife & wilderness.

Born March 29, 1931, in Denver, to Guy and Ermina Belcher, Bruce grew up in Park Hill with his sister Barbara. He developed early passions for reading, writing, research, and photography, and as a teen served as Master Councilor of Order of DeMolay at the Park Hill Masonic temple.

He attended the Univ. of Denver, joining Kappa Sigma, before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950-1952, where he led, as a corporal, a 155mm Artillery Battalion & later served & excelled as a sharpshooter. He returned to complete his Business Administration degree in 1955.

After graduation, Bruce married Peggy J. Schott, in 1955 and together they raised three children: Sari, Doug, and Lucy. In 1972, he married Robin Bess, and in 1974 they welcomed their son AJ.

Over 35 years, Bruce built BB&W Advertising into one of Idaho's leading marketing & full-service ad agencies, managing major commercial & financial accounts including Simplot & Idaho First Federal & ran election campaigns for five Idaho governors (Cecil Andrus-twice, Phil Batt, Dirk Kempthorne, and C.L. "Butch" Otter). Bruce also co-launched the "Buy Idaho" non-profit with Butch Otter in 1986, which still supports Idaho businesses today.

Outside of work, Bruce embraced adventure – co-founding the Idaho Pacific Northwest Porsche Club, competing in hill climbs, rallies, Formula Vee & road race events, serving on the YMCA Board, helping found the Boise Racquet & Swim Club, and skiing for decades at Bogus Basin & Sun Valley.

After closing BB&W, Bruce opened & later sold a Subway franchise, then embraced his true calling that defined his later years: protecting wildlife & wild places. Once a hunter, he evolved into a committed conservationist, supporting The Wilderness Society, The Wildlife Conservation Society, National Geographic, and many Idaho and Utah wilderness organizations. He volunteered with Earthwatch and on Continental Divide Trail Alliance crews and supported Native American youth through Running Strong.

His greatest artistic legacy emerged through "BrucePhotos – Images from Nature." Traveling the world to 15+ countries, he captured wildlife: jaguars in the Amazon, tigers in India, whales in Patagonia, wolves in Yellowstone, leopards in Africa, polar bears in Canada, & eagles in Mongolia, mountains, deserts, and sacred landscapes. His photographs are held in public and private collections, and in 2003, he earned a National Geographic Finalist honor for wildlife photography & published an article & photos on sea otters.

Bruce is survived by his sister Barbara Hart; his children Sari Belcher Outzen, Doug Belcher, Lucy Belcher-Hassett, and AJ Belcher; and his former wife Robin McGee. He leaves grandchildren: Devon, Jaron, Abby & Evie Belcher, extended family, and many friends across Idaho and worldwide.

For his children, he remains their "Grizz," their "Lone Wolf"- independent, curious, smart and forever drawn to wilderness. His spirit endures in the mountains, trails, and sunrises he loved.

A celebration of life date will be announced in the near future from Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Idaho and Utah wilderness preservation organizations.

"For Bruce, the wild was his cathedral-its silence his prayer, its beauty his scripture, and its freedom his life's greatest calling."