Big Thompson Canyon – Rocky Craig says he was able to save several lives 30 years ago only because State Patrol Officer Willis Hugh Purdy saved him first.
Purdy ordered Craig and his friends to turn back from the lower stretches of the Big Thompson Canyon on July 31, 1976, as the swollen and surging Big Thompson River began to overwhelm homes, cars and people.
“I saw roofs, camper tops and other things that never should be in the water,” Craig said.
Craig remembers Purdy standing in the middle of the canyon road, giving orders while the river was starting to cover the road behind him. “He got us out of there, probably just in time.”
Craig and other survivors of the Big Thompson Flood returned Monday to remember those who died in the state’s worst natural disaster.
They helped unveil a 7-foot-tall high-water mark to commemorate the flood, which claimed 144 lives, including Purdy’s.
Positioned at Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park, just south of Drake, the marker stands in front of the original power plant destroyed by the flood. The marker is a monument to the power of the floodwaters, which at some points of the canyon reached 20 feet high.
Besides the dead, the flood injured 250 people, while more than 800 were evacuated by helicopter. Also destroyed were 418 homes and businesses and more than 430 vehicles.
A candlelight vigil Monday night also helped mark the 30th anniversary of the flood, which severely tested the fortitude of the 2,000 or so residents of the canyon, said writer Sharlynn Wamsley.
“They are a hardy group, and they have survived and put their lives back together,” said Wamsley, who compiled several survivor stories for a book.
After being turned away by Purdy, Craig and his teenage friends sought refuge in a cabin farther up the canyon. Soon, it was crammed with 37 people, all seeking shelter from the horrific storm, Craig said.
At one point, Craig left the cabin to help people stranded in their cars by the high water. He was almost swept away himself by the rushing tide.
“It just wouldn’t quit,” Craig said. “I was scared, and my life flashed before my eyes – but being 18, it went by fairly quickly.”
It took a few days away from the storm for Craig to realize the danger he was facing. “I broke down because I couldn’t believe what happened or what I did for some other people.”
But, Craig said, he wouldn’t have been able to lend a hand if not for Purdy.
“He helped me out, and I helped them out. It kinda makes sense.”
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
