Channing was raised on the farm his grandparents homesteaded near Great Falls, Montana. He attended Great Falls High, where he was a state speech champion twice. He graduated with honors from the University of Montana where he was a debate champion and chair of the Model United Nations. He attended law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC, graduating with honors in 1971. He returned to Montana, worked in the Attorney General's office and completed his military service before founding the firm that is now Hartelius & Durocher, in 1972. Channing is a successful trial attorney, author and active member of the community. He lives with his wife, splitting time between his residences in Great Falls and Cascade. He has four grown daughters and many grandchildren with whom he enjoys spending time.
