Gary Warren Phelps

In Loving Memory of Gary Warren Phelps

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

Gary attended the University of Northern Colorado, graduating with a BA degree in Fine Arts. While in college, Gary discovered the writings and drawings of Italian architect, Paolo Soleri. After graduating, Gary enrolled in Soleri Foundation workshop at Arcosanti, Soleri's learn/build architectural community north of Phoenix, AZ.

It was at Arcosanti that Gary met MaryAnn (M.A.). The married in 1982 and remained in Acosanti until 1987 when they moved to Seattle, WA. In Seattle Gary started his business, Wild Paces Woodworking. In 1995 they moved to Westminster, CO to be closer to Gary's family. During this time, they made many trips to the East Coast where MaryAnn grew up. Gary loved visiting with MaryAnn's family, exploring the Connecticut coastline and neighborhoods of NYC. 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 in the craftsman tradition, Gary could overhaul a truck engine, rewire a home and fix just about anything. He was passionate about the beauty of nature, and he and Maryann 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. And stand up he did. In an effort to make a difference, Gary participated in many civic rallies over the years.

Gary was a supporter of Denver's many cultural institutions - The Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo (the lions were his favorite), and numerous museums. He also followed all Colorado Sports, at both 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 the Colorado rivers as a young boy, delighting in the beautiful environment around him. This joy grew and continued throughout his life. He requested that his ashes be scattered in the north fork of the Big Thompson River.

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

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

A quote borrowed from a card recently received - We honor a beautiful life, one whose spirit will live on in all who love him.