Gary Warren Phelps

In Loving Memory of Gary Warren Phelps

10/18/1950 - 05/16/2026

Gary Phelps was born in Perryton, Texas to Dorene and Warren Phelps. As a young boy he lived in Beaver, Oklahoma, Wichita, Kansas and Alamogordo, New Mexico before his family settled in Greeley, Colorado.

Gary attended the University of Northern Colorado, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. While in college Gary discovered the writings and drawings of Italian architect Paolo Soleri. After graduating, Gary enrolled in a Soleri Foundation workshop at Arcosanti, Soleri's learn/build architectural community north of Phoenix, AZ. It was at Arcosanti that Gary met MaryAnn. They married in 1982 and remained at Arcosanti until 1987 when they moved to Seattle, WA. In Seattle Gary started his business, Wild Places Woodworking. In 1995 they moved to the Denver area to be closer to Gary's family. During these years they made many trips to the East Coast where MaryAnn grew up. Gary loved visiting with MaryAnn's family and exploring the Connecticut coastline and neighborhoods of New York City. Gary and MaryAnn never had children, but over the years they adopted many shelter pets, giving them all a loving home.

Gary was truly a Renaissance man. A lover of all the arts, he was also an incredible craftsman. In addition to designing and building beautiful furniture, Gary could overhaul a truck engine, rewire a house and fix just about everything. He was passionate about the protection and beauty of nature, and wherever he and MaryAnn lived they created beautiful home gardens overflowing with flowers and trees. And Gary could tell you about all of them. Zinnias and peonies were some of his favorite flowers and he tended them with exceptional care.

He had an insatiable curiosity and believed in justice and fairness for all. Gary always felt that people should stand up and be counted. Stand up he did. In an effort to make a difference and support the causes he believed in, Gary attended many civic rallies and marches over the years.

Gary was a supporter of Denver's many cultural institutions - the Botanic Gardens, the Denver Zoo (the lions were his favorite to visit), and numerous museums. He also followed all Colorado sports, both at the professional and college level, especially the University of Colorado football and basketball teams (both men's and women's), and was a season ticket holder for many years.

Gary began fly fishing in the Colorado rivers as a young boy, delighting in the beautiful environment around him. This joy grew and continued throughout his life. Gary requested that his ashes be scattered in the north fork of the Big Thompson River.

Gary's family and friends made over the years held a dear place in Gary's heart.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, MaryAnn; sister, SuAnne Sumpter (David Torres); nieces, Tiffani Stout and Alexandra Witt; nephews, Jeremy Sumpter and Zackary Stout; and numerous cousins.

A quote borrowed from a card recently received -

    We honor a beautiful life, one whose spirit will live on in all who love him.