Boise State Legacy
Brian Busby, who graduated from Boise State University with a Master of Science in Raptor Biology in 2022, died at the age of 31 on December 23, 2024. The community of the Boise State University Raptor Research Center, which supports graduate education for the unique Master of Science in Raptor Biology at Boise State University, remembers him as a genuine, affable student and colleague with a huge, infectious grin, an enthusiastic spirit, and a palpable dedication to science and raptor research and conservation. While at Boise State, Busby completed his master’s thesis entitled “The effects of roads on movement, flight dynamics, occupancy, and productivity in barn owls (Tyto alba).” He received the William C. Andersen Award from the Raptor Research Foundation for best student presentation at their 2021 international annual conference. The Journal of Wildlife Management published one paper from Busby’s thesis, and Busby had another paper submitted for publication at the time of his passing.
After Busby’s graduation from Boise State, he worked as a Research Biologist at the Raptor View Research Institute in Missoula where he ran research projects; coordinated education programs; and managed, analyzed, and published data.
Busby’s funeral was held on December 31, 2024, in Missoula, Montana. Busby is survived by his wife, Becca Busby. Following are memories shared by some of Busby’s colleagues and advisors.
Busby Memories from the Boise State Raptor Community
“It’s hard to believe that such a promising scientific career was cut so short, and even more so that we lost such a shining light in our Raptor Biology community and circle of friends. I appreciate so much the time that I had to work with Brian. He was not only one of my graduate students but also a close friend. And he shared similar friendships with so many students and colleagues. He was a one in a million graduate student. His intellect, his enthusiasm for field work, a tireless work ethic, and his technical capabilities associated with analytics and raptor biology all placed him among the best of the best. He and I spent countless hours in the field together working with barn owls and sharing conversations with our team and others that joined.
“By the end of his time in our graduate program, I realized I had learned as much from him as he did from me. He and I continued to work together on journal articles after his graduation, and I remember fondly the last time we shared time together at an annual meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation. It was shocking to learn of his passing, but we hope the impact he had on programs at Boise State and on our raptor biology family will always be remembered.” – Jim Belthoff, Boise State University Professor, former Interim Director of the Raptor Research Center, and Brian’s major professor in the Raptor Biology MS program.
“When I first moved to Boise, it was Brian’s warmth and generosity that defined the incredible sense of community we have here. He showed me what it meant to be part of something bigger – a network of people who share a love for science, conservation, and camaraderie. Brian’s brilliance as a scientist was matched only by his kindness as a person. I’m so grateful we had the chance to work together on my own graduate project, sharing a special moment when we deployed a transmitter on an extraordinary female Prairie Falcon named Big Baja…
“More than anything, Brian lived life to the fullest and was a true friend. He was authentic and genuine, someone who got along with everyone and someone we all just loved to be around. His humor and charisma has left a mark on all of us. He was a treasure in the field of raptor conservation and a true gem of a human. I feel profoundly grateful to have known him, and I aspire to carry forward even a fraction of the joy and brilliance he shared with us.” – Eden Ravecca, (Master of Science in Raptor Biology, ’23) and a current Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD candidate studying raptors
Brian’s brilliance as a scientist was matched only by his kindness as a person.
Eden ravecca,
Master of Science in Raptor Biology classmate
“I have always appreciated Brian as the first person who really inspired me to pursue raptor field work and research. He was an incredible mentor and teacher in the field and I will always appreciate the time I got to spend with him studying the barn owls.” – Amanda Hancock, former RRC research technician
“Brian was one of the first graduate students I met at Boise State when I came to interview. It was a privilege and a joy to be part of his committee. He was so eager and passionate about his work. He was one of the students that inspired us to develop stats hour! I was always happy when I got to see him at a conference. I cannot believe he won’t be at the next RRF. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.” – Jen Cruz, Boise State University Assistant Professor, Raptor Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences
“I had the pleasure of sharing an office space with Brian during my first year in the raptor biology program… I was assigned to teach Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 that first year, and fortunately for me, Brian had already taught it for many semesters. I remember being so nervous, but Brian provided constant reassurance that I could do it…
“Brian also rarely missed a grad student social hour at the local breweries and quickly became one of my favorite people to talk with and listen to about his past, present, and future adventures. He perfected the recipe for work and play, always finding time to climb, ski (mid-week was the best!), and bike. He introduced me to the coveted “triple header” in which one completes all three activities in the same day (I’ve still never accomplished this but Brian did often). Most of all, I remember how supportive and encouraging Brian was to every person he encountered…
“The last time I got to see Brian was at the RRF [Raptor Research Foundation] conference in New Mexico [October 2023], where I eagerly attended his talk about Turkey Vultures. In typical Brian fashion, he had the whole room in stitches by the end with his clever quips and comedic timing. Despite his well-deserved post-talk praise, he was effortlessly humble and quickly returned his focus to hanging out and having a good time. I hope to love life as much as Brian did and treat everyone with the same kindness and enthusiasm as he showed me. I’ll always remember Brian’s laugh and smile and, from time to time, will drink an extra PBR or two for him.” – Nora Honkomp (Master of Science in Raptor Biology, ‘24)
In typical Brian fashion, he had the whole room in stitches by the end with his clever quips and comedic timing.
Nora honkomp,
Master of Science in Raptor Biology classmate
“Brian was someone who exuded a loving spirit every single day and always prioritized relationships with people. He welcomed everyone into his space with open arms and was generous in sharing his time and knowledge. He loved the natural world and was an exceptional scientist, clearly destined to make waves in the raptor space and beyond. Brian’s kindness, determination, and gratitude for life itself will remain a source of personal inspiration. Rest in peace, Brian. You will be sorely missed.” – Rebecca Bishop (Master of Science in Raptor Biology, ‘23)
Our thanks to Eden Ravecca, Jim Belthoff, and Amanda Hancock for sharing their photos and to Busby’s faculty and colleagues for sharing their memories.
Read more about Busby’s post-graduation work in this alumni spotlight article by Brianne Phillips from Boise State News: “Feathers of gold and lead: alum soars with Raptor View Research Institute.” Also see The Wildlife Society’s June 2024 article featuring Busby, “JWM: For Barn Owls, Roads Disrupt Country Living.”