Clarence Clancy Wilde

Clarence "Clancy" WILDE Born June 20, 1918 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Clarence "Clancy" Wilde attended Harding High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Prior to his graduation he married Elaine Hoffman and was hired by Northwest Airlines to conduct test work on the C-46. After graduation he was appointed by Northwest Airlines as Chief Engineer, Northern Region which included Canada, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. In 1946 he became Northwest's representative at Boeing during the construction and delivery of the Boeing Stratocruiser. After delivery of the ten Stratocruisers he returned to Northwest headquarters in St. Paul where he was appointed as Superintendent of Maintenance. In October of 1953 he joined the Boeing Company as Chief Project Engineer in charge of writing the detail specifications for the 707 and conducting engineering discussions with prospective customers. In October of 1956 he was appointed Sales Manager for the United States and Canada and was involved in the first sales of the 707 to the airlines in the US. He continued in that position until 1969 during which time Boeing successfully introduced the 720,727,737, and 747. He then became vice president of commercial sales in charge of worldwide sales of all Boeing commercial airplanes. In 1973 the marketing department was added to his duties. In 1978 the Product Support organization was included in his duties at which time he became Executive V.P. of Sales, Marketing and Product Support, a position he held until his retirement in July of 1984. His duties included extensive travel worldwide and his wife Elaine often accompanied him to assist in entertaining airline executives and their wives, many of whom became their close friends. Clancy was also active in his community. Upon his arrival in Bellevue in 1953 he became involved in Little League Baseball. During his three years as Commissioner he expanded the program to include minor league teams increasing the participants from approximately 100 youngsters to over 800 and allowing anyone interested in playing baseball to play regardless of ability. He served as a Bellevue Councilman from 1959 to 1970 and as Mayor fr 1964 to 1968. During this time he led an aggressive street improvement program and a large expansion of Bellevue's boundaries. At this time the population of Bellevue increased from approximately 9000 to over 70,000. Although some council members questioned Bellevue's need for a public golf course, Clancy was successful in convincing them that Bellevue should have one. Construction of the golf course started in 1966 during his term as Mayor. Clancy was interested in all spectator sports, played tennis and golf. He enjoyed bridge and gin rummy with his pals. He is survived by a son,Dr. Greggory Wilde (Sybil) and a daughter, Nancy Wilde (W.L. Tharp), a sister, Shirley Tindal, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine (2003) and his sister, Eileen Balch (1964). A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of Sunset Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park 425.746.1400. Please visit Clancy's Memorial at www.mem.com to share your thoughts and fond memories.