Paragliding accident claims life of Amgen pioneer
by Kelly Feser Eells

Bruce Wallace, longtime Ojai resident and Amgen pioneer, the world-renowned biotechnology firm headquartered in Thousand Oaks, died in a paragliding accident Friday in Inyo County. He was 54.
Amgen, which made Fortune 500's 2002 Most Admired Companies list - with an overall industry (pharmaceuticals) ranking of number six - has had a well-deserved reputation in both the corporate and private sectors for the 20-plus years of its existence.
Wallace, like the company he worked for, was both innovative and socially responsible. Though often credited with being a company co-founder, Amgen's Barbara Bronson Gray, associate director of media relations, smilingly points out that, "Bruce considered himself one of its early employees - which, of course, he was. And also one of its most important scientists."
Continuing, Gray adds, "It's such a loss. Bruce was such a kind, intelligent man; a very gentle soul. He'd always slow down to talk with you about anything, and was really, genuinely interested in how everyone was doing, what they thought. Though very successful by the business world's standards, you'd never know it. He came off as a 'regular guy.' He touched a lot of people, and was always interested in making the world a better place."
Though Wallace had officially "retired" from Amgen in January of this year, he'd been working with the Ventura County Community Foundation - a charitable, grant-making organization long associated with Amgen - on "strengthening philanthropy in the community."
VCCF President Kate McLean remembers Wallace for his kindness, generosity and intelligence, echoing Gray's sentiments. "He was a brilliant man funny, charming. He chaired our grants committee."
Ojai resident Dave Farber met Wallace through his involvement with the Ojai Shakespeare Festival. "We served on the board together," said Farber, who's known him about five years. "And he, as well as his wife, Marilyn, have both been active in the Ojai Camerata. They're just really, really great people. It's a terrible loss."
Gray concurred. "He was always very committed to science, education, kids, the community. Constantly giving back in every realm of life. My condolences to the city of Ojai."
A father of four, Wallace will be remembered privately by family and friends on Saturday, Sept. 28.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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