Obituary

Richard (Dick)Clancy, 88, passed away February 10, 2022 with family by his side, and in their hearts.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ida Clancy, wife Barbara Clancy, and son Stephan Clancy. He leaves behind his sister Sharon Clancy Lima, brother Doug Clancy, their children and families, daughter Beth Clancy Wood (Orv Einsiedel), daughter-in-law Anelda Smalberger Clancy, grandchildren Mark Wood (Laura), Joseph Wood (Branden Schoofs), Samuel Wood, Rick Clancy (Bailey), Logan Clancy, Becca Clancy, Johann Smalberger Clancy, Micah Smalberger Clancy and great-grandchildren Charlie and Ellie Wood. Dick felt very fortunate to have been able to be a part of their lives and was proud to call them his family.

Dick was born and raised in Hardy, Iowa during The Depression. The times he grew up in were not easy for most people, including his parents who were farmers. With much sacrifice and hard work, the land was good to his family. It was his environment and upbringing that shaped him into the man he became: loyal, honest, responsible, quick-witted, cautious, thoughtful and driven.

Dick graduated from high school and headed off to The University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he met his true love, Barbara (Barb) Jane Young. She was a nurse, and he was pursuing a career in medical research, which would ultimately find both Dick and Barb enjoying worthwhile careers at The University of Kansas Medical Center. He was wholly dedicated to his work focused on medical research and teaching how the heart works to medical students. It is difficult to imagine how many lives have been saved and extended by doctors who were taught by Dr. Richard Clancy, PhD.

Dick’s career was a proud accomplishment for him, but he found true pleasure in being with family and friends. He was a conversationalist; always interested in who he was speaking with, always asking people about themselves.

He loved to tell “stories”, so much so that even those who knew him well weren’t quite sure if what he was telling you was truth or tale. Even then, he was an honest man, to the core.

He lovingly cared for his wife, Barb, while they bravely experienced the cruelness of Alzheimer’s. When his son, Stephan, died unexpectedly, he once again, and with “true grit” marched on, staying engaged with family, friends and his favorite hobby, golf.

Dick spent the last 20 years (17 with Barb) traveling back and forth between Shawnee, Ks. and Mesa, Az. It was during those years that he had time to hone his golf game, and more importantly to him, making lasting friendships with people he would never forget, and who will not forget him.

His family’s collective heart is heavy with grief for their brother, dad, and Poppa. We know he knew he was loved, and for that we are grateful.

There will be two celebration of life gatherings for Dick: one in Mesa, AZ, March 20, 2022, 11am-2pm at the Sunland Village Golf Club and the other in Shawnee, Ks., April 23, 2022, 11am-2pm at Tomahawk Golf Course 17501 Midland Dr., Shawnee, Ks 66217.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to KU Endowment, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160, to benefit the R.L Clancy, PhD, Student Support Fund. Online contributions may be made at www.kuendowment.org/give. Please indicate that donations are for the R.L. Clancy, PhD Memorial.