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Charles Genaux Obituary
Dr. Charles T. Genaux, 81, retired associate professor of biochemistry at University of Alaska Fairbanks, and 55-year resident of Fairbanks, passed away Aug. 6, 2008, in Fairbanks following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Charles was born April 8, 1927 in Pullman, Wash. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a weather observer from 1945-47, and his love for meteorology, clouds, stars and the sky remained with him throughout his life.
In 1948, after finishing his service, he decided to take a year abroad studying in Basel, Switzerland. During the voyage there on the Queen Mary, he met a beautiful girl named Hanna, who was also going to study in Switzerland that year. They were married in 1950 in Ames, Iowa, and after spending their honeymoon working in the fields de-tasseling corn, the couple moved to Rochester, N.Y., where he began work on his doctorate degree. In 1953, he was offered a job teaching biochemistry at UAF, and the couple moved into a small house on University Avenue.
In 1955, Charles, with the help of one of his students, built a log cabin on Farmers Loop, adding a second-story addition in 1966. This log cabin was one of his fondest achievements, and was even featured in a February 1970 article in the Daily News-Miner, "Fine Homes in Fairbanks!"
In 1969, Charles achieved his doctorate at UAF in zoochemistry. His role as a teacher with UAF was very special to him. He loved breaking barriers and helping his students overcome their fear of chemistry through language, metaphor, nature and fine arts. He was always delighted to hear from former students, and gratified to hear of their achievements beyond his classes.
In his retirement, Charles loved to travel, read and learn. His trips, whether abroad or just to town, were always a high point for him, and whether he was getting off a plane or just leaving a store, he always knew everyone's names and a little bit of their life 'sstories by the time he left.
Charles is survived by his wife, Hanna; sister, Anne, of La Grande, Ore.; three daughters and son-in-law, Maia and Cathy Genaux and Vivica Genaux and Massimo Patella; and grandchildren, David, Beth and Ben.
There wll be no formal service, but in memoriam, please support the arts in Fairbanks either by donation or by attending an opera, concert, workshop or play. Charles loved getting out to local performances, and was very much looking forward to being at the upcoming production of one of his favorite operas, Rossini's "La Cenerentola," presented by Opera Fairbanks. Charles was fond of telling his Italian son-in-law Massimo, "Io sono Don Magnifico!" ("I am Don Magnifico!"), who, as the father of Cinderella in Rossini's opera, learns to be proud of all three of his daughters (and enjoys wreaking havoc along the way). The first performance in Fairbanks at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 22, in the Lee H. Salisbury Theatre will now be graciously dedicated to his memory.
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14 Entries
Kay Howitt
September 4, 2008
To the Geneaux Family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss.
I remember Charles' kindness to me and my young family when we first arrived in Alaska in 1975. I was a student in his "bonehead" chemistry class at UAF. Through his enthusiasm and teaching methods he helped me gain a new and happier outlook on mathematics. He also invited my family to his home for dinner one winter night. He gave my two children some wonderful childrens' story records. Those stories became a treasured part of our family. Small kindnesses from
Charles made us feel welcome in Fairbanks. He was a great man.
Cynthia Wildridge
August 27, 2008
Dear Vivica,
How deeply saddened I am to learn of the loss of your father. I had the pleasure of meeting him while you were performing in The Dallas Opera's production of La Cenerentolla in December, 2005, to which I took my niece -- her very first opera. Your father had purchased a copy of our bilingual chlldren's book, Bun E. Learns to Count in French, for you, which my niece had illustrated at the age of 10. He arranged for us to meet you after the performance to trade autographs -- he was so excited about that! We, of course, made certain that he received a copy of his own, as he seemed so touched by it.
I brought my niece to see your subsequent performance in The Dallas Opera's The Barber of Seville in 2007 (which was, again, fabulous). While I saw your father from afar, I did not approach him as he was surrounded by a group of people, assuming I'd have an opportunity to speak with him later. Unfortunately, I did not, though I was later told that he had asked about both my niece and myself. What an amazing memory, and how tender that soul must have been, to have recalled us from the scores of people he must have met through his work, his teaching, and his travels to your performances.
I had just obtained his address to send him a copy of The Dallas Opera Guild's Autumn 2008 newsletter, as it features a photograph of you which I was certain he would so enjoy seeing; he was obviously so proud of you.
My sincere condolences on the passing of such a dear man. I hope it may be a comfort to you and your family that he touched the lives of those he only met in passing.
With sincere sympathy,
Ann Tremarello
August 25, 2008
To The Genaux Family...
The staff of the UAF Registrar's Office always looked forward to Dr. Genaux's visits. He was one of our favorite faculty members and even after his retirement, we were so pleased when "Charlie" took the time to stop by and see us. He was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many, many students and friends. We are all better for having known Charlie.
Lorna Livingston
August 22, 2008
Dear Vivica,
THANK YOU for sending me the sad news regarding your father's passing.
I'm so sorry that I am so late in re-
sponding, but only received the news
this afternoon.
Charles (always had been Chuck to me) was my first Tympani 'teacher'.
We shared many prescious moments
at Ames High, but also Ames Munici-
pal Band. After a continuous corres-
pondence during his WWII Air Corps days, he resumed being my 'partner' in Ames Municipal Band. I felt really special to be picked up for rehearsals
every Mon. night and Thurs. night summer concerts in that snazzy red
convertible!!-----the last time being
3 nights before my wedding in July, 1948.
When he was studying in Switzerland
I received a letter from him relating
that one of his Chemistry professors
over there knew ME! He had been one of my professors when he was
in Grad. School at Iowa State!!!
I am SO PLEASED that he and Hanna
shared their pride with me when you
performed in Mpls. YOU will have to
be the one to keep me informed of
your Mpls. (St. Paul) visits hereafter.
Please express my sincere sympathy
to Maia and Cathy also! I understand
completely Hanna's state, as Stew,
who passed away May, 2007, also
had Alzheimers. I am SO glad to have
had the opportunity to know her in
her 'golden' years of PURE PLEASURE,
traveling with you.
Much love,
Lorna Wilhelm Livingston
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Theresa Murray
August 20, 2008
Dear Vivica, Hannah, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure meeting Charles last year in Minneapolis. His wonderful spirit and sense of humor will certainly be missed. Please know you are in the thoughts of all at The Minnesota Opera.
Scott Deal
August 17, 2008
Kathy,
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Charles was a real Fairbanks institution, and I always enjoyed running into him in town, and I know the impact he had at UAF firsthand.
nansi chandler-norum
August 14, 2008
Dear Hannah, Kathy and Vivica and your family members,
we were saddened to hear that Charlie had passed away. He will be remembered fondly. I still can see him opening his sweater to reveal a small friendly pup hidden near to his heart! His smile warmed everyone 's heart and i am glad to have met him!
Colleen Harshman
August 13, 2008
Genaux Family,
I have many memories that bring a smile to my heart! My thoughts are with all of you. Colleen Harshman
Marty Thomas
August 12, 2008
Dear Genaux Family
Dr. Genaux will be an indelible part of my memory. I had Dr. Genaux for chemistry when I pursued my science degree and he was one of the best teachers I was blessed to have. From my memories I think of his love of the geodesic domes and how excited he was when I described the American Pavillion (a Dome) at Expo 67 in Montreal. I was honored to receive a 'postage stamp' with his image - he had so much fun with that stamp. I enjoyed visits to your home; he invited his students over of an evening and it was so much fun. He helped my daughters with their science fair projects for which I was grateful. And he never seemed to forget anyone. What a wonderful man he was; he will always be a part of my fabric. My condolences to you on your loss.
Pat Babcock
August 12, 2008
Maia, Kathy and Vivica,
Our family will miss the good friendship displayed over the years through Charlie and the Babcock family. Words can never express the sorrow we feel. We will remember him forever with kind and loving thoughts.
Valerie Demming
August 12, 2008
I knew Dr. Genaux as a student at UAF. Never took him for a class, but he would come to the commons for dinner and strike up a conversation with all of us. My thoughts are with his family, especially Cathy, Ben, and Beth. Valerie Anne Demming
David Farmer
August 12, 2008
Charles was the only grandfather I knew. I loved him and will miss him. His influence on my life is evident by my degree and continued love of learning.
shar (VanDyke) Loennig
August 12, 2008
Dear Hanna, Vivica and Family--I am so sorry about the death of your dear husband and father. A true legend and awesome spirit. I was the school nurse/Jo Scott's camp nurse and @Ryan Jr High when Vivica passed through. I live in Punxsutawney and read the News Miner occasionally. Know that my deepest sympathy is extended inthoughts and prayers. Sincerely, shar formerly Baertschy (VanDyke) Loennig
Debbie Brownlow
August 12, 2008
Kathy,
I was sorry to read aboutyour father, I know how close all of you were. Please give my best to Beth.
Debbie Brownlow
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