Chuck and Kathy Zunich, of Nucla, have been chosen as royalty for 2024 Water Days. The king and queen are life-long residents of the West End and embody the pioneer spirit of those hardworking and creative individuals that established the ditch and later Nucla as a town.
Chuck Zunich was born in Telluride in the old hospital, now a museum. His parents were Frank and Irene Zunich, and his dad was a sheep rancher in Redvale.
Kathy Zunich was born in Colona. Her parents were Orris and Doris (Scott) Kettle. Her dad moved the family to work at the mill in Uravan in 1951.
The Zuniches have lived in the West End their whole lives, both graduated Nucla High School and were married in 1973 at Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride.
Chuck worked for San Miguel Power Association for 20 years, then for Western Fuels for 20 years and retired from the coal mine. Kathy had a flower shop — A Petal Pusher — for 12 years, but worked various jobs too.
Together they had five children.
And, they farmed. They have 40 acres, and in the past raised hay. Chuck also did custom haying for others in the area. They’ve had cows and sheep, and still have two goats. At times they’ve had pigs or chickens too.
Chuck has been active in the Nucla-Naturita Fire Department, the Tabeguache Trail Riders and the the Cattlemen’s Association.
In their life together, they’ve enjoyed being out on trails in their side-by-side. They did the local jeep tour for years, and sometimes have gone to the Moab area.
Chuck had a guide service years ago. He’s always hunted and done drop camps. He also spent 35 years of his life salmon fishing annually in Canada.
Kathy has cooked, canned and preserved food over the years. Kathy loves making jellies and jams.
Their acre of a garden used to have green beans, potatoes and okra. They’ve never really sold produce, but many times have traded things like zucchini for cucumber.
Now, they’ve downsized, but still have a raised bed for a garden, and they’re mostly growing tomatoes and peppers. They also have fruit trees.
The Zunich family has had bees over the years. They quit the bees for a while after a bear got into a hive, but they’re back at it again, and they like having their own honey.
Many who know Kathy know about her crafting abilities. She makes cloth baby books, baby blankets, placemats, dishcloths, lariat-rope wreaths, lariat-rope bowls and more. She’s making a set of horse shoe chimes right now.
She’s done wood-burning, drawing, painting and uses a sewing machine nearly every day for aprons, tea towels that she embroiders and her “microwave cozies” she makes for bowls.
Kathy admitted to the Forum that she’s still “a good ole’ pioneer.”
They love living in Nucla, they enjoy all four seasons and appreciate that it’s never too hot or cold. They also like not having traffic.
The Zuniches have been married 50 years, and while Chuck is not sure what to think about he and his wife being named Water Days king and queen, Kathy said she feels it’s kind of an honor.
“We’ve lived here so long,” she said.
Many who’ve been to Water Days know that Chuck was one of the first to start the pig in a pit tradition. He’ll still be smoking meat this year.
The Zuniches will mostly likely be in their side-by-side for the parade. Their stock dog is too old to come along, but there’s a chance the Boston Terrier may go.
