Daniel John Clancy, Jr. passed away on April 1, 2019 after a brief illness. He was born in Helena to Daniel J. and Ann Dolan Clancy on June 24, 1949. Dan attended St. Helena’s Cathedral and Helena Central High Schools graduating in 1967. He played football for Cathedral and Helena Central High Schools.
Following high school, Dan joined the Army Reserves where he was trained as a medic. He and Owen Gabriel owned the Memorial Exxon Station. Dan worked in various businesses in Helena including: Purcell’s Grocery, Scotty’s Drive Inn, Foley’s Mill and Rucker’s Furniture. He also worked as a sales representative at a car dealership. Careful research in county courthouses and personable communication with land owners, led to almost 40 successful years in the oil and gas leasing business with his school friend, Brooks Boedecker. Dan worked throughout MT, ND, WY, CO and TX.
Dan Clancy married DeeAnn DeFord in 1978. They had two children, Erin and Regan and later divorced. Dan and Gilda Case Norskog were married on January 27th, 1996.
Family and fishing was everything to Dan. Gilda’s Dad and Dan spent many days on the Missouri river fishing. Dan loved being Papa to his grandchildren. The kids loved spending the night and playing games at Papa and Nana’s house.
Dan is survived by his wife, Gilda; mother-in-law Doris Case; brother-in-law Charlie (Irene) Case; daughter Erin Clancy (Matt) Tunstall; son, Regan (Sharayah) Clancy; sister, Colleen (Alec) Hansen; brother, Dennis Clancy; sister, Terrie (Tom) Casey; step son, Ryk Norskog; step daughter, Jackie (Jeremy) Hudoba; grandchildren, Emily and Felicity Tunstall; Ellie, Finn, and Dolan Clancy; Leif and Ross Norskog; and Dalton and Holly Hudoba. Nieces and nephews were special to Dan. They include: Lucy Hansen, Eamon Hansen, Clancy Casey, Molly Holahan, great nieces and nephews; Gus, Elsie, Ellie, Ethan, Breckin, Brynn and Reese.
A memorial service celebrating Dan’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5th at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road in Helena. Burial will take place at a later date this summer. A coffee and cookie reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Donations in Dan’s name can be made to Montana Supporting Soldiers, PO Box 4964 Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dan.
Michael Schneller says
I have kind memories of my cousin, Dan Clancy. As young children we enjoyed playing boy type games with relish mostly in Helena where I frequently visited there. In later years I did not see him so often, but when I did I could not help but notice the very strong similarity between him and his Dad in both physical looks and kind gentlemanly demeanor. That must be the mark of a genuine Irishman. I extend to his family my thoughts that present grief mixed with gratitude for Dan and the light he has brought to you all provide moments of comfort. We are all touched by the light that shines within others. May this light from Dan nourish you now and always.
John Larson says
Gilda, Erin and Regan…Karen and I are sending our sincere condolences. We enjoyed watching Erin and Regan grow into confident adulthood under Dan’s watchful eyes and guidance.
Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. Let us know if you need anything.
Diane Macaraeg Langenfus says
I have known Dan since Kindergarten, we went all through grade and high school together. He was always sweet and kind. Our deepest condolences to Gilda and the family.
Mike & Diane
Diane says
Gilda and the family of Dan
I was sorry to learn that Dan passed away. I have known him and his brother Denny for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy Diane Richter Pedersen
Karen McMillan says
Gilda and Family
I was so shocked when I saw that Dan passed away. I’ve had a chance to get to know you, Gilda, and we had such wonderful fun talks about what a wonderful guy Dan was.(and he was the greatest roller skater, too!) I am so sorry for your loss. Also, Dennis, I am so sorry that you’ve lost your wonderful brother. Sending prayers to all of you.
Cynthia Mulvaney says
My sincere condolences to you, Gilda and your family for your loss. May your fondest memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
Cynthia Mulvaney
Mary, Dane and Skylor says
Gilda and family our deepest condolences on the passing of Dan. You’re all in our thought and prayers.
buzz helfert says
Gilda,Colleen,Dennis,Terri and families, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dan’s passing, he was a longtime. best friend. Dan and I ran around together in high school, and joined the Army Reserve while still in high school. we went through Fort Polk and Fort Sam Houston together. He was the toughest guy mentally and physically that I ever met .He will be missed. Godspeed my friend.
Mary Jayne Page Hellebust says
I was so sorry to hear about my cousin Dan, who had been a favorite with my mother Margaret Clancy Page. I have though of him often over the years because the name Dan has been a name of choice for many in our family, including my son Dan. My condolences to Gilda and his children and siblings at this time. May faith, family and friends provide all of you with
comfort.
Marcia Wall says
Gilda so very sad you lost your loving husband Dan. He was born on the same day as Cleve, June 24 and loved the “Mighty Mo” too. You have been in my prayers and will hold you tight in the coming months. You are surrounded by love of family and friends and Dan is safely in his Heavenly home watching over you. I’m profoundly sorry for your loss Gilda.
Shelly Stevens says
So sorry for your loss. I will see you at Dan’s funeral where I can meet your family. My prayers are with you.
Lorna says
Good by our knight in shining armor
we will miss you. God speed.
Bonnie White says
My cousin Dan had an Irish charm in a quiet and unassuming manner. It was always a pleasure to see him at family gatherings and reunions. My sincere sympathy to his family. I hope that all your treasured memories, keep him with you always.
KEVIN COLLINS says
Dan, May you rest in peace. May God bless you and your family.
Mike Gresh says
Went to school with Dan, he was one year ahead of me, but enjoyed knowing him and his brother, Dennis, my partner in crime growing up. My condolences to Dan’s family during this difficult time.
Mike Gresh
Mike Hartman says
My condolences to Gilda and Dan’s family. I enjoyed working with Dan on projects in Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming and our many phone conversations. I will miss you my friend.