Arthur Alan Phelps

1947 - 2023

"Local Hero" Loses Battle with Cancer Arthur Alan Phelps, MSW, but known and loved by all as Art. Born March 24,

1947 in Stevens Point WI: Died January 1, 2023 in Layton UT. Art has been fighting esophageal cancer over the past

two years, and finally lost his battle early in the morning of January 1st 2023 at 75 years old in his Layton UT home.

Art was a loving and dynamic man known in the Idaho Mental Health community as a "Local Hero". Art was awarded the Local Hero Award in 2004 by the Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare as an outstanding advocate for the cause of Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention. Art also had a private practice as a therapist in Pocatello

ID for 25 years and helped countless individuals and families with alcohol and drug dependencies. I know he will be mourned and missed by many. Art is survived by his three children: Jodi Crawley (Jake), Mark Phelps (Staci), and Amanda Vashro(Doug) along with seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Besides his children, Art is also survived by his siblings: Linda Boldt, Leo Phelps (Maria), and their loving families and children as well. Art's blue eyed, blond-haired, boisterous legacy will live on. At home Art was passionate about two things: his chocolate lab Abby, whom his children refer to as "His Significant Other", and an insurmountable love for rafting the Salmon River of Idaho. One of Art's granddaughters aptly stated, "I think Grandpa has river water running in his veins." Art often spoke of his "drug dealer" as Cascade Outfitters. He couldn't help buying more and more river running rafts and gear! One of his life goals was to pass on his love of the river and the great outdoors to as many who would listen. In addition to his love and all our fond memories of sharing the great outdoors, we will miss him greatly. What we all wish most for Art is to hop back on his big green boat in the sky and ENJOY that eternal float down the biggest, most beautiful, serene river, and find a place to layover and be at peace! We love you dad, grandpa, and brother. Art's wishes were to be cremated and to have his entire family (and dog) take him down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and celebrate his life. Our plans are to do just that this summer of 2023.