In loving memory of Mike Clancy

6/29/1959 - 2/4/2017

Location: Wayne, Illinois

Visits: 11,278

Michael White Clancy, loving husband, accomplished attorney, and ardent animal lover, passed away in Wayne, Illinois on February 4, 2017 at the age of 57.

Mike lived in Wayne with his loving wife of 19 years, Michelle, and countless disadvantaged, orphaned, and rescued animals.

Mike, or “Clance” as he was known to friends and teammates, is lovingly remembered for his enthusiastic smile and bear hugs by his wife, Michelle; parents Wendell and Kay Clancy of Wayne, Illinois; siblings Scott, Tim, and Susan (Boles); and 11 nieces and nephews. Mike Clancy’s remarkable life began in Durham, North Carolina on June 29, 1959. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1977, where he was class president and captain of the varsity hockey and baseball teams. He attended Amherst College in Massachusetts graduating with honors in 1981 while playing on the hockey team. Like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he pursued a law degree, graduating from Boston College Law School in 1984. He practiced law in a large firm in Worcester, Massachusetts before founding his own firm near Cherry Valley, Massachusetts in 1987. He relocated back to the Fox River Valley in 1992 to become a Partner in the family law practice in St. Charles where he practiced with his father, brother, and sister. Since 2015, Mike operated a successful litigation and mediation practice in St. Charles, Illinois. He was a frequent lecturer and author in the areas of litigation and trial practice.

Mike and Michelle shared a deep passion for helping animals and others in distress. Not only did he have several dogs over the course of his lifetime, but he also spent countless hours volunteering and he often opened his home to foster dogs. He believed that all animals are deserving of respect, protection and love, and he and his wife often adopted dogs who were not readily adoptable. He actively supported animal rescue and welfare organizations and, being an attorney, the Court Case Dog Program at Safe Humane was close to his heart. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, you would find Mike walking dogs at the shelter.

Mike was also an accomplished athlete. Traveling, flying, theatre and enjoying good food and spirits with friends and family were some of his other favorite activities. Mike will be remembered as the smartest person in the room; a worthy competitor in golf and hockey, swimming and ping pong; someone who always had a good sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye; and as a kind, compassionate individual who went out of his way to help others, giving of his time, professional expertise and sound opinion. His generosity, caring and compassion will be truly missed.

A celebration of Mike’s life and the happiness he shared will be held on Saturday March 4, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Dunham Woods Riding Club in Wayne, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005 or Safe Humane Chicago, P.O. Box 7342, Chicago, IL 60680-7342.