Arthur Elliott Himebaugh

Arthur Elliott Himebaugh, 87, of Phoenix, passed away July 14, 2012. He was born in Hayden, Ariz., on Feb. 28, 1925, to Claude Edwin and Mary Elizabeth Himebaugh.

In his growing years, he was very active in the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and beyond. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Arizona and in 1938 joined the U.S. Marines.

While stationed at Quantico, Virg., he met the love of his life, Connie Westervelt, who was working for the G-2 in Washington, D.C. They were married Aug. 26, 1946, in the Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, Neb., and moved to Arizona so Art could continue his education. They were inseparable, loving partners for 64 glorious years, until Connie's passing in 2010. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Debbie and Ted.

Art graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. degree in Mining Engineering and was presented with his Professional Mining Degree by the University in 1963.

He worked his entire 40-year professional career for Phelps Dodge Corporation, starting in Bisbee, Ariz., and concluding in Phoenix, where he was vice president and general manager of operations. His distinguished career was framed on the principles of integrity, trust, fairness and dependability, and he was known for his ability to lead and inspire others to be successful as well. Art had a sixth sense for mining that helped guide the company to significant successes during both good and difficult times in the copper industry.

Notwithstanding his professional achievements, his most important contributions in life were as a loving and sacrificing husband and father, who was also a Christ-like example of love and concern for others. He was involved in several civic organizations, a devout Christian, and a member of the Presbyterian faith, serving the Lord as a teacher, elder and selfless contributor to church and charities.