On February 3, 2014, another member of The Greatest Generation died unexpectedly at his home at the age of 89.

Clancy was born on May 22, 1924 in Lake Stevens, Washington, the sixth of seven children. His early childhood involved frequent moves as his father, Clarence “Baldy” Cole, was the chief field engineer on many of the major dam construction projects in the Northwest. He spent his high school years in the town of Wilbur, where his father was the first person hired on the Grand Coulee Dam construction. He lettered in three sports, including football where he led the State his senior year averaging over ten yards per carry.

After high school, a football scholarship to Gonzaga was canceled at the last minute when the school eliminated its football program. Eastern Washington College was happy to fill the void. He played one season for Eastern before he was drafted into the Army in 1943.

During his initial basic training in Bremerton, he was surprised to learn that he had set the base physical fitness record for the highest score. He was eventually accepted into the Army Air Corps where he became a P-51 pilot.

After the war, Clancy returned to Seattle and graduated with a business degree from the U.W. He met and soon married his wife of 60 years, Mickey, who predeceased him in May 2011. They raised their two children, Michael and Susan, in Seattle on Magnolia where Clancy enjoyed coaching multiple youth sports teams for many years.

Clancy worked a decade as a tool and sporting goods manager at Nordby’s Supply at Fisherman’s Terminal. He then became regional sales representative for Ingersoll Rand, where he was perennially the international sales leader.

In 1984 Clancy & Mickey retired to Vashon Island where they had previously owned a weekend cabin. He remained active and involved as a docent at the Point Defiance Zoo and at the Museum of Flight, as well as an active member of the Vashon Island Golf Club, Kiwanis, American Legion/VFW, the Eagles, and Church of the Holy Spirit on Vashon Island.

Clancy is survived by his son Michael (Laurie) and daughter Susan, grandchildren Alison, McKenna, Owen and Aidan and great grandchildren Liam & Henley.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 11 a.m., at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 15420 Vashon Island Hwy SW, on Vashon Island. Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary.