Obituary: M. Sean Clancey

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

M. Sean Clancey, 66, a resident of Calumet passed away on Monday February 21, 2022 at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium.
He was born on August 20, 1955 in Ishpeming to James and Barbara (Stakel) Clancey. When he arrived home, his two older brothers, ages 2 & 3 – having recently witnessed the birth of a litter of Boxer puppies – were unimpressed, asking “Where are the rest?”. He graduated from Ishpeming High School with the Class of 1973, having focused not only on the English language, but also delving into German and French. His great interest in languages culminated in a highly rewarding trip to Europe, where he was able to focus his attention on the nuances of regional dialects in London and Paris. He was also surprised to learn that a student his age could even enjoy an occasional sip of wine or ale. His earnest studies empowered him to perform exquisite Shakespearian orations and even pull off an unforgettable onstage impression of Joe Cocker while competing in an air guitar contest under the lights at the Champion Horse Pulling Grounds during Beer Fest. One former high school teacher recalls giving him the assignment to write an essay about an inanimate object, using its perspective and point of view. Sean chose Richard Nixon’s wastebasket as the subject of his report.
Following high school Sean attended St. Norbert University, and then moved on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Marquette University. He next attended Michigan Technological University where he received his Masters and PhD in Rhetoric and Technical Communications. We believe he was the only MTU Masters candidate to ever illustrate a thesis point by juggling three balls during his defense.
Sean’s first job after Marquette was for the Marinette Eagle Herald newspaper, where he worked the Peshtigo beat. After obtaining his PhD, he became a Lecturer at Michigan Tech in 1998. He taught there until his retirement in 2019. He was a multi-year finalist in the Academy of Teaching Excellence and won the MTU Distinguished Teaching award in 2009.
Sean was known by the nicknames “Otto” and “Doc”. Otto came from his high school German class, and Doc came from his skills on the volleyball court. He was an accomplished volleyball player, playing in tournaments across the UP, and earning a DSV (Doctor of Surgical Volleyball) degree awarded by his contemporaries.
Another of Sean’s hobbies was golf – encompassing the links, frisbee, and computer versions. He was devoted to the Green Bay Packers (purchasing share number 029474 in 1997) and attended many memorable games at Lambeau Field. Doc was fortunate to be at Marquette University when the Warriors won the national championship under legendary coach Al McGuire in 1977. The Michigan Wolverines also held a special spot in his heart, his Grandfather having been the Student Assistant to Fielding Yost in 1908.
For over a decade, his summer was highlighted by a trip to the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival at Mole Lake, Wisconsin. Nothing pleased the Doc more than peacefully relaxing to music in the Chequamegon Forest with friends. Coming on the heels of that “relaxation”, he always relished the annual August canoe camping trips in the Keweenaw at Bete Gris on Lake Superior (at arguably the world’s most outstanding campsite) with a close circle of friends. For over 25 years, he made that trek and kept close tabs on the veracity of pronouncements at the well-stocked bar. No B.S. ever went unchallenged with The Good Doctor on hand.
Sean was extremely generous with his time. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Copper Range Historical Society and regularly welcomed visitors to their Museum in South Range. He would never pass up the opportunity to deliver meals for the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, sacrificing many holidays with his family so that he could help make those days extra special for elderly residents of the Copper Country. In addition, he served as Faculty Advisor to the Delta Upsilon Fraternity at MTU, providing much appreciated guidance for many years.
Sean was a staunch Progressive and tireless crusader for worthy causes. His knock was heard at many a Keweenaw door. He carried signs, gathered signatures, and handed out countless pamphlets while always being well prepared to calmly explain his positions on those issues. He truly Felt the Bern!
Sean always enjoyed a large circle of friends, who treasured his quick wit and easy smile. He was happiest when surrounded by friends and engaged in conversation.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved dog Luke. He is survived by his brothers: Pat (Diane) Clancey of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jay (former spouse Mary Windsand) Clancey of Lake Michigamme, Tom Clancey of Tampa, Florida, and special niece Brooke (Joe) Routhier of Ishpeming.
Per Sean’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial gathering will be held at a later date. The family requests that charitable donations be made in Sean’s memory to either the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (Little Brothers – Michigan Chapter) or the Copper Range Historical Society (PO Box 148, South Range, MI 49963).
Online Condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.