Channing Snyder, 59, died 10/30/2012 unexpectedly at his Sweet Clover Farm in Eaton, NH.
Channing lived what by all accounts was a uniquely rich life. Born in Miami, Florida in 1952, while his mother was on vacation, he was raised in Denmark (Europe, not Maine) before relocating to Concord, N.H., where he graduated from High School. He was an instigator and dreamer, sharing his ideas and infectious humor with his siblings and everyone he touched. Beyond being a distinguished student, Chan held the state titles in both cross-country skiing and running. He graduated cum laude from University of New Hampshire with a degree in earth sciences. While in college, he gained the dubious distinction and title of “Mountain Man” for such feats as spending a rugged winter living in a tent. Chan also served in the White Mountain hut system, becoming hut master of Greenleaf. In addition to the many notable shenanigans, perhaps inappropriate for a publication such as this, Chan held the record for fastest descent down the Old Bridle Trail from Greenleaf to the parking lot on I-93.
A man who believed in cosmic order, and serendipity would soon change his life when perchance a lovely young lady picked him up as he was hitchhiking along Route 153. Liza happened to be living on a farm owned by her father. Once on Sweet Clover Farm, Chan never left. He developed into a passionate producer and consumer of foods. On the farm he grew and harvested virtually everything — fruits and vegetables, berries and mushrooms. After consulting a how-to book, he also started a chimney sweeping business — the now familiar Chimney Man — the Valley’s first.Ever the adventurers, Chan and Liza, along with their children, pioneered to Finland in 1984 and would spend 10 years living, teaching, and barely learning a language rivaled only by mandarin Chinese in its difficulty. Together, they were determined in their efforts to live and teach a message of spiritual, cultural and racial unity that is the foundation of the Baha’i Faith.Upon returning to the Mount Washington Valley in 1994, Chan immersed himself in his various passions: farming, renewable energy, public dialogue, faith activities, and his family. A uniquely loving, warm, and gentle person, this noble man will be greatly missed though his legacy stands as proudly as the majestic elm tree he so loved.
I grew up with him and his sisters in Concord. and he inspired me to hike the entire length of the applachian trail and parts of the Pacific crest. Hats off to him.
God bless you, Channing.
— Lindsay Fowler, Zool ’69