Clancy Imislund

Clancy Imislund (July 9, 1927[1]: 156  – August 21, 2020) was an influential figure in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community and served as the managing director of the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles.

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]

References

  1. ^ a b Zolotow, Maurice (December 1984). "Clancy and the Midnight Mission". Reader's Digest. pp. 154–159.
  2. ^ a b c d Smith, Doug (August 28, 2020). "Clancy Imislund, longtime director of L.A.-s Midnight Mission, dies at 93". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  3. ^ I, Clancy. "One of the Funniest Talks Ever!". music.apple.com. Alcoholics Anonymous. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  4. ^ "Midnight Mission centennial: How this man went from homeless to managing a shelter". LAist. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "Stories of Recovery - The Clancy Imislund Collection". storiesofrecovery.org. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  6. ^ "Clancy Imislund-Remembered". More will be revealed. October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  7. ^ "Revealed: Carrie Fisher's shocking final phone call". New Idea. January 3, 2017. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  8. ^ "How Anthony Hopkins beat booze by aiding others". Express. May 10, 2010. Archived from the original on June 2, 2015. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  9. ^ "Dick Van Dyke still dancing at 98: 'a beautiful and kind' human being — exclusive". HELLO!. December 7, 2024. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  10. ^ Martin, Brittany (August 25, 2020). "Clancy Imislund, a Towering Figure of L.A.'s Recovery Movement, Has Died at 93". Los Angeles Magazine. Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
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