Obituary of Stephen Arthur Clancey

The family of Stephen Arthur Clancey is deeply saddened to announce his passing at the age of 81. He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in the palliative care unit at the Victoria General Hospital after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer and COPD. He was born in 1940, the oldest of three to Arthur and Kathleen (Shannon) Clancey. He was educated in Halifax City Schools, graduating from St. Pat’s High School, Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University respectfully. While in university he joined the Canadian Officer Training Division and received his Commission in the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps. In 1963 Stephen began his lifelong work in the field of education as a Junior High math and science teacher. Shortly thereafter he moved to administration and acted as Vice Principal at both Saint Joseph’s and Oxford Schools. In 1971 he was appointed his first principalship at Rockingham Elementary followed by a five-year tenure as the principal of Oxford School. In 1977 he was appointed as the Assistant Director of Education for Halifax City Schools and retired as the Acting Director of Education in 1994. Throughout his career Stephen took part in many professional organizations having served as President of the Halifax Local of the Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union, president of the Halifax Principals Association and as a member of the Provincial Executive of the N.S.T.U. In addition, he sat on the Board of Governors at Saint Mary’s University and was on the executive of the SMU Alumni Association. His Catholic faith was an integral part of his life and Stephen invested much of his time volunteering within the church. He sat on Parish Councils at both Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and chaired the Council at Saint Pius X Parish. He was a member of the reorganization committee which led to the formation of Saint Benedict Parish where he and his wife Anne have attended ever since. As a member of the church, he was active in its Alpha program, was the lead in its hospitality program, acted as mass coordinator and served in its prayer ministry. Minor sports and what ended up being a lifelong love affair with the game of golf took up a significant amount of his time as well. He coached, acted as secretary of, and was part of a group that reorganized the Halifax Little League Association in the 1960’s. He was a lifelong member of Oakfield Golf and Country Club, served on a multitude of committees and acted as club president in 1986 and 87. In 1988 he co-chaired the Canadian Amateur Golf Championship and Willington Cup Matches held at Oakfield. He organized the Men’s Invitational at the course for many years and was instrumental in bringing the APGA tournament to the course for the ten years to follow. After his retirement Stephen became involved with the election process on both the provincial and federal level. He served as the Assistant Returning Officer for the federal ridings of Halifax and Halifax West and was a Training Officer for the past few Federal Elections. Simultaneously, he acted as the Returning Officer for Provincial Elections in the Halifax West riding for twenty years. Stephen is pre-deceased by his parents; his younger sister, Marilyn Anne; and most recently his daughter, whom he loved so dearly, Marilyn Kathleen (Wayde Lively). He is survived by his wife, Anne Francis (Cogan) Clancey, the love of his life through 56 years of marriage. His sons, Stephen Patrick (Linda), Ryan Timothy (Tara); grandchildren, Justin, Ian, Ana, Erin; and great granddaughter, Winter Rae. Stephen is also survived by his younger brother, Brian, of Prince Edward Island; his wife Susan; nephew, Kevin; and niece, Shannon. Arrangements have been entrusted to T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Crescent, Halifax, 902-835-4212, where visitation will be held on Thursday March 3, 2022 from 4-7 pm. To leave words of condolence for the family please visit, www.tjtracey.com. Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Benedict Parish Friday March 4, 2022 at 12:15pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Halifax Hospice at hospicehalifax.ca.