Arthur "Art" Nelson Givens

Arthur "Art" Nelson Givens passed away after a long battle with Glioblastoma on June 22, 2021.

Art was born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 24, 1961. He attended Richmond High School in Gibsonia, PA and later attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Philadelphia, PA on a music scholarship. Art spent time traveling the country playing trumpet and tuba with the school band.

In his early years, Art worked in the diamond district in Pittsburgh, PA and alongside his father in the family sound business. Art moved to Vermont to be closer to his father and stepmother in the late 90's. Art was employed by American Traders of Brattleboro, traveling the country selling handmade canoes, and later was employed doing property maintenance for The Outlet Center and The Marina Restaurant before his diagnosis in November of 2010.

Art met his wife, Stephanie Coleman Givens, in 1999. They were married in 2003 in Green River, VT. They lived for many years in Guilford, VT, where their two children, Keegan Coleman Givens and Chloe Bly Givens were born at home in 2001 and 2004.

In 2008, Stephanie and Art purchased the West Village Motel and moved with their family to Brattleboro.

Art loved fishing, boating, camping, the ocean, and anything that brought him close to the water. His most treasured time was that spent with his beautiful children.

Art fought a valiant battle with Glioblastoma and outlived his diagnosis by almost 10 years. His life was truly a miracle.
Before Art's diagnosis of cancer, he struggled for many years with mental illness. He would want us all to remember that there is no shame in asking for help if you are suffering.

Art is survived by his wife, Stephanie Coleman Givens, his son, Keegan Coleman Givens, and his daughter, Chloe Bly Givens, all of Brattleboro, Vermont, his father Jack Givens and stepmother Jane Givens, of South Carolina, his mother, Ginger "Moonbabe" Boffemeyer, of Pennsylvania, his brothers, Jake Givens, of New York and Hugh Givens and his wife Nancy, of Pennsylvania. He also leaves his nieces, Hayley, Taylor and Brooke and his nephew Luke, and many friends who he cared deeply for.

Art was predeceased by his sister, Christina Givens, and his stepfather, John Boffemeyer.

A celebration of Art's life will be held on July 12, 2021 at 5:00 pm at The Marina Restaurant in Brattleboro. It will be a casual potluck with drinks available. Please join the family for an evening of love, light, laughter, fishing, fun, tears, cheers, and memories. A service and scattering of ashes will take place next to the water at sunset.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to help assist the family with educational expenses for Chloe and Keegan. Contributions can be sent to 1208 Western Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301, care of Stephanie Givens.