Bruce Elderkin Blackmer, 76, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Lost Rivers Hospital in Arco, Idaho.

Bruce was born on July 10, 1947, in San Francisco, California to Beverly Adams Blackmer and Jane Elderkin Blackmer. Bruce was raised in California and attended college in Oregon where he received a BA in Philosophy from the University of Oregon in 1969.

After college, Bruce joined the Air Force. He played the French Horn in the Air Force band and was stationed in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. After completing his military service, he attended Oregon State University and received a BS in Forestry in 1976.

Bruce had a long career working first for the Bureau of Land Management and later for the US Department of Agriculture in their Riverton, Wyoming, Malta, Montana, Driggs, Idaho, and Arco, Idaho offices.

After moving to Arco, Bruce purchased a tract of land in Moore and became a rancher owning a herd of cows and raising crops of hay, barley, and alfalfa.

Bruce enjoyed music, running, downhill skiing, golfing and horseback riding. He was an avid chess player and often played online with chess players all over the world. He continued a life-long study of philosophy and enjoyed engaging in open-minded conversations on a multitude of topics.

Bruce is survived by his three sisters, Gail Rector, Penelope Crocker, and Melissa Thyoneus. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. Cremation services were provided by the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Arco, Idaho.

A Celebration of Life service will be held and announced at a future date.  Cremation services were provided by the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Arco, Idaho.