Even though Glenn and Genevieve “Gen” Channer never went to college, they worked hard so their daughters were able to attend. Daughter Marilyn saw to it that her daughters did too. Now, the family tree has reached the next generation as the great-grandchildren are both going to Colorado State University in the fall.
And in a way, Glenn and Gen Channer will be there, even though they passed away 32 years ago: Arin and Kelsey Channer Baun have been awarded scholarships in memory of their great-grandparents who died in the Big Thompson Flood.
It happened July 31, 1976.
A torrential flash flood swept the Channers’ home off its foundation, carrying it away on the water’s crest, killing them both.
“I was playing my flute at the Strawberry Festival (in Glenwood Springs) that day; otherwise we would have been with my grandparents in Glen Haven,” said granddaughter Mishelle Baun, who was 14 at the time.
Glenn Channer was watching the Olympics on TV. He and his wife were in their Glen Haven cabin — where they had retired — when a cloudburst dumped up to 12 inches of rain in a few short hours.
The Big Thompson Flood was the state’s worst natural disaster, claiming 144 lives while injuring 250 more. The flood ravaged hundreds of homes and businesses. Damage was estimated at $35 million.
The family cabin has never been rebuilt. In its place is a grassy area where two blue spruce grow.
“We like to think that the trees are Glenn and Gen,” Mishelle Baun said.
In 1978, the family placed a plaque on the site that reads, “In memory of Glenn and Gen.”
“Ever since I was little, we’ve gone to where their cabin was,” said Mishelle’s daughter Kelsey Channer Baun, who will be a freshman studying business at CSU. “I’m a big nature person, and it’s really nice there.”
Although he never had the opportunity to meet his great-grandparents, Arin Baun, a sophomore photography major, has heard stories of them his whole life.
“They were really kind and easy-going people,” he said.
Sponsored by the nonprofit Big Thomp son Canyon Flood Memorial Inc., the $1,000 scholarships are funded by the Estes Park Community Thrift Shop, donations and the sale of several books about the disaster.
Scholarships were awarded for the first time last year, said Barb Anderson, herself a survivor of the flood and a volunteer for the nonprofit.
A third scholarship recipient this year is Camille Brady, the great-granddaughter of Claude and Mae Schell, who also lost their lives and home in the flood.
She will attend Texas State University.
“The scholarships are given in memory of their loved ones,” Anderson said. “Their blood runs through their veins, and their smiles are seen on their faces.”
Brian Malnes: 303-954-1638 or bmalnes@denverpost.com
