George Arthur Stephens

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.

He was a professor of biology.

Survivors include his wife, Vivian; one daughter, Brenda Armour of Flagstaff, Arizona; one brother, Paul of St. Augustine, Florida; and eight grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510; or to the National Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 1637, Merrifield, Virginia 22116.

Art Stephens was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 10, 1930, to Eloise and Jim Stephens, the fifth of six children. The Stephens family moved to Paonia, CO, during the early 1930’s where they operated the Star Mercantile grocery store.

Art graduated from Paonia High where he enjoyed playing football for three seasons. In 1953 he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado and left for Marine Corp officer training in Quantico, VA. He achieved the rank of captain during his six-year commitment in the USMC reserve. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the University of Colorado where, after working toward the degree for a number of years, he was awarded a PhD in Education.

Art spent most of his career in the Denver metro area where he met his wife of 34 years, Vivian (Schurott) Stephens. During this time, Art taught biology and natural science classes at Arapahoe Community College and was the Dean of Students when he retired in 1991.

A lifelong love of the Western Slope brought him to Grand Junction when he retired. He worked as a seasonal National Park Service Ranger from 1959-1993 in Yellowstone, Mt. Rainer, Olympic National Park, Canyonlands, and Arches.

Art had a passion for wildlife, particularly wolves and bears, and a great love of the outdoors. He was an avid hiker and cross country skier. He was the President of the Western Colorado Congress after retirement and was involved in many charitable causes especially those benefitting animals and environmental conservation.

Survivors include Art’s beloved wife, Vivian; daughter, Brenda (Armour)—Flagstaff, AZ; stepson and stepdaughters, Patrick Schurott—Princeton, NJ, Victoria Mast—Highlands Ranch, CO, and Pamela (Joe) Connolly—DeBuque, IA; grandchildren, Courtney (Alejandro Parga) Armour, Jesse Armour, Addison Mast, Anthony Schurott, Lauren Connolly, Matthew Connolly, Ryan Connolly, and Seth Connolly. Art is also survived by his brother, Paul (Meg)—St. Augustine, FL; several nieces and nephews; and grand nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to:

National Wildlife Federation

800-822-9919

www.nwf.org

Post Office Box 1637

Merrifield, VA 22116 or

PETA

501 Front Street

Norfolk, VA 23510