OBITUARY

The wild and wondrous spirit of Arlen Derrick Grout came to the world on March 17th, 1980 near the charming town of Fairfield, Pennsylvania. He had his loving and devoted mother, Karen McGarry, and adventurous father, Robert Grout, doting on him along with his big sister, Natalie Grout. He grew up with a troop of wonderful cousins, who were as close to him as siblings and he loved exploring in the woods, creeks, and fields together as long as the day would allow.

As a child, Arlen had tons of energy he used riding three wheelers, fishing with Pappy, and playing center field as a little league-er. Arlen was always outside exploring and playing and his soul kept the joy, bliss, and sense of childlike wonder into his adult years. His big, bright, blue eyes were awestruck by the wonders of nature and he relished in the curiosity of what is beyond the trails, often making his own paths in life. He lived in the present moment and was extremely generous to everyone he met. He was up for anything and found joy in so many outdoor pursuits- hiking, skiing, climbing, running rivers, and rock hounding, just to name a few. Arlen also played the guitar and even wrote a few songs of his own.

His father taught him the art of stone masonry at a fairly young age and Arlen skillfully practiced his craft with great pride and a sense of artistry. So many beautiful gathering spaces inside and outside peoples’ homes, including fireplaces and flagstone patios, exist because of Arlen’s strength and mastery of his trade.

Arlen had the opportunity to marry and have a beautiful son, Tadeo Grout, who accompanied him on many hikes and adventures. He moved with his small family from Fairfield to Utah in 2005, and settled in Moab to be near Natalie and his niece and nephew, Cora and Aidan. The three young cousins enjoyed playing together in the desert sand, rivers, and trails.

Arlen's soul was never lured by the shiny or material things of this world. He didn’t judge others and assumed others saw the beauty of the world as he did. At times, the conventional expectations and responsibilities of adulthood were challenging for Alren’s free-spirited soul and alcohol came to be a non-judgmental friend to him in those challenges. He spent the last several years of his life battling severe alcoholism but alcohol won the fight. It destroyed his body and Arlen died of complications from cirrhosis of the liver on January 18, 2025, at the young age of 44 in La Sal, Utah.

He leaves behind all the family members previously mentioned, in addition to many loving aunts, uncles, friends, step-mother Susan Tenzyk, and brother-in-law Obe Tejada. He is reunited with grandparents Elizabeth Seal Mickley, Robert Oliver Mickley, Bettyjean Fahrney Grout, Edward deFrece Grout, his uncle, David Mickley, and his beloved dog, Bear.

There will be two celebrations of Arlen’s life and soul. The first celebration will be held at the MARC in Moab, Utah on March 15, 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The second celebration will be held in Fairfield, Pennsylvania at Carroll Valley Park on April 13, 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Moab Valley Multicultural Center’s Crisis Resource and Advocacy Program at moabmc.org.

Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at SpanishValleyMortuary.com or SVMC.us

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