Date Created: 02/09/2017
Last Updated: 02/09/2017

In loving memory of Mike Clancy
6/29/1959 - 2/4/2017

Location: Wayne, Illinois

Visits: 11,277

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.

 
 
 
 

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Current Condolences

From: Darrell Seigler Tuesday, February 21, 2017
To Mike's Family, I had the pleasure of knowing Mike over the last 10 years as a fellow lawyer and as a friend. My sincerest condolences to you all. He was a wonderful guy, always with a smile and a good law story. I am glad to have known him. Darrell Seigler, Ottawa, IL



From: Kit DeWitt Sunday, February 19, 2017
My deepest condolences to the entire Clancy Family. Having just moved to Wayne, this morning I learned of your great loss during today's sermon at the Little Home Church. My heart just sank, remembering Mike and the entire Clancy family. I hope that you are able to find peace in the wonderful memories of such a great son, brother, husband. Such an unbelievable loss, such a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kit Sweeny DeWitt



From: Ginger Vance Sunday, February 19, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the entire Clancy family. May your son, husband, brother, uncle or friend rest in peace.



From: Kevin Vedrine Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Wendell and entire Clancy family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Since I heard about Mike's death I have spent a lot of time thinking about him and the way he carried himself. Literally everywhere I have been in the last 7 days everyone is shocked about Mike's death and sharing stories of interactions with him. Those are all a testament to the kind of guy he was. I just mediated a case in December. Same Mike, personable, charismatic, engaging hard working. I think the best thing I can say at this time of such tragedy is that I am personally richer emotionally having seen how Mike carried himself in the legal community and having had the opportunity to know him. I feel I am a better lawyer because of Mike. Your loss is immeasurable as is the lost of the Illinois Legal Community. RIP Mike



From: Greg Andrews Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Clancy Family - I was very honored to know Mike and terribly saddened by his passing. Words fail at this time, but know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.



From: Lisa Munch Monday, February 13, 2017
Clancy Family - The Illinois legal community has lost an honorable and exemplary member. I feel blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to meet him and work with him. I am grateful too for lessons learned from him. My tears flow for Michael and for your loss. May he live on in your hearts and in our memories to be cherished by those of us who were fortunate to have known him. God bless.



From: Jan & Barbara Carlson Monday, February 13, 2017
Wendell and Kay, and the Clancy family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief (Aeschylus). Just know that we love you both.



From: Robert Speers Monday, February 13, 2017
My condolences to the entire Clancy family. I was lucky enough to know and work with three generations of Clancy lawyers. All were excellent lawyers and good people. I tried my first two jury trials against Gates. Mike will be greatly missed by all of us in the legal community. He was truly a special and talented person.



From: Ken McLaughlin Monday, February 13, 2017
My heart goes out to the entire Clancy family for the loss of Mike. I was shocked and saddened deeply when I heard the news. Wendell, you have been a great inspiration to me, and the loss of your son is an unbearable burden for a father. I have gotten to know Mike in the last few years - he was an honorable and kind man, and he will be missed. Ken McLaughlin



From: Cynthia Peterik Monday, February 13, 2017
I am so, so sorry. I was shocked when I heard. You know that you all hold a very special place in my heart and I can't even imagine what you are going through. Please accept my very deepest sympathy. My cell number is 630/452-6203 and I would love to sit down with you at some point in the future. Again, my heart and thoughts are with you. Love, Cyndi



From: david meyer Sunday, February 12, 2017
Wendell and Kay, My heart breaks for you, the entire family and those of us whose lives were enriched by Mike's generous spirit. He was such a special man. I will be out of the country March 4th, but my thoughts will be with you. Dave Meyer



From: Jean Whiteside Sunday, February 12, 2017
I am so very sad to hear this news about Mike. I haven't seen Mike since high school graduation in 1977 but went through the schools with him (Wild Rose, Haines Jr. High, and STC high school). There is such a fondness and love we have for someone that we grew up with. Much love, prayers, and sympathy sent to all of you in the Clancy family. Jean Jordan Whiteside



From: Susan Russell Sunday, February 12, 2017
Michelle, and the Clancy family: Sincere heartfelt condolences to you all at this terribly difficult time. Mike's legacy of kindness and compassion toward the shelter animals and the Court Case Dogs will always be remembered with a smile and deep gratitude. He gave a voice to those who had none, and helped them be heard, to be loved, and to matter.



From: Sam Brooks Sunday, February 12, 2017
Clancy family - my heart breaks for you all as I have many fond memories of your family. May your own memories of Michael bring some solace to you in the days ahead. I am praying that each of you will experience the comfort and healing only God Himself can bring in the moments of deep sorrow and circumstances that do not make sense. Lovingly, Sam Brooks.



From: Cindy Anderson Sunday, February 12, 2017
Dear Wendell, Kay, Scott, Tim, Susan and Michelle - Please accept my heartfelt condolences as you mourn Mike’s passing. I was deeply saddened by the tragic news and wanted you to know that I am thinking about and praying for your entire family. I have wonderful memories of the times I spent with the Clancy family from 7th grade through our sophomore year of college. I have always treasured the times we had together; Mike certainly helped shape me into the person I am today. For that I am truly thankful. I hope that you will be comforted by the many happy memories you all share of Mike and the knowledge that he influenced so many people’s lives for the better. I am so very sorry for your loss.



From: Alan Sklar Sunday, February 12, 2017
Kay and Wendell, I just wanted to express my condolences to both of you and the entire family. I remember how proud you always were of all the children and how thrilled you were when Mike joined the family firm. Losing a child, no matter their age, is a terrible thing for parents and I am very sorry for your loss.



From: Frank Smith Sunday, February 12, 2017
To the entire Clancy family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Although I did not know Mike well, I did know him to be a pleasant, kind and very down to earth guy. Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences at your loss. May God wrap you in his loving arms and comfort you during this most difficult of times.



From: Joshua Bernabe Saturday, February 11, 2017
Hello I'm Joshua and I would like to say that I am sorry for your loss. I know it's never easy to lose a loved one, but just always remember that Jehovah loves you and he wants you to be in his Paradise that's going to be ruled by Jesus. Time goes by fast, and it's really important to reflect on how we live life by God. And if you and Mr. Mangum do your best to live by God, just like Jesus said in Luke 23:43, "You will be with me in Paradise." I'm very sorry for your lost, and God Bless.



From: Steve Burriesci Friday, February 10, 2017
Dear Mrs. Clancy, Wendell, Kay, Susan, and the Clancy family. All I may offer is that I feel so bad for you. I feel terrible. He was so kind to me, and I will never forget him. Steve Burriesci.



From: Ken Vanko Friday, February 10, 2017
Wendell, Kay, and Family: I am terribly sorry for all of you and saddened by this stunning loss. My memories of Michael are vivid. I will always remember his kindness towards me. He was warm, likeable, and unique. I never saw him when he didn't offer a smile. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time. I offer my heartfelt condolences.



From: William Delaney Friday, February 10, 2017
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my sincere condolences to Wendell and the Clancy family. Mike's passing is a great loss to the legal community and those of us who were fortunate to know him and work with him. A true gentleman and an outstanding lawyer. May he rest in peace.



From: Matt Shaw Friday, February 10, 2017
Mike was remarkable, not only in his qualifications and accomplishments, but as a person. Always a smile, a grateful attitude and a how-can-I-help presence. I never saw a bad moment or heard him complain. Truly sorry for his private pains. I am saddened for the entire family and respectfully offer my sincere condolences.



From: Larry Mancini Friday, February 10, 2017
Wendell--I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news. I can't begin to imagine what you and Kay are feeling. Mike was a singular human being, always smiling, always caring. My condolences also to his wife and the rest of the family.



From: Andrew Nickel Friday, February 10, 2017
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Clancy, but he sounds like a truly remarkable person. My deepest condolences to those who knew and loved him.



From: Carolyn Schroeder Friday, February 10, 2017
My very deepest condolences and love going out to the entire Clancy family. As a fellow Kane County lawyer and dog rescuer, I know just how giving, kind and wonderful Mike was. And genuine. So genuine. He was one of those people ... I always smiled and felt lighter and happier whenever our paths crossed, in court, when we referred clients to him, "talked shop;" and amidst dog rescue stuff (including, of course, foster failing). I am a better person having known him. The world lost a great person. He will be greatly missed.



From: Never Gone Thursday, February 9, 2017
Dear Tim,

We are so sorry about the loss of your loved one. We will be here to do everything we can to help you remember the life of your lost loved one. We hope that our site will allow you deal with the loss in your own way. God Bless.

Your Never-Gone.com Team

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