Clancy Imislund
Influential figure in Alcoholics Anonymous
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Clancy Imislund (July 9, 1927[1]: 156 – August 21, 2020) was an influential figure in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. He served as the managing director of the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles for 46 years.[2]
Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Imislund joined the Merchant Marine and the Navy during World War II, when he began struggling with alcoholism.[2] In 1946 he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, planning a career in journalism. He married and began a family,[1]: 156 but recurring issues with alcohol led to frequent job losses and personal difficulties including the death of his son.[2][3] He ended up homeless on Skid Row, Los Angeles.[4] Following his involvement with AA, he achieved sobriety in October 1958 and was able to eventually reunite with his family.[5]
In 1974, Imislund returned to the Midnight Mission, where he was appointed managing director in 1976.[2] Under his leadership, the Mission expanded its services to include substance abuse treatment, job training, and housing support. Imislund also founded the Pacific Group, a prominent AA meeting group, and was a sponsor to numerous individuals.[5][6] He was a sober coach to Carrie Fisher,[7] and helped Anthony Hopkins get sober.[8] He was a close friend of Dick Van Dyke.[9]
Imislund died on August 21, 2020, at the age of 93,[2][10] from complications due to COVID-19 contracted during his recovery from hip surgery.[5]
