Clancy Imislund

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Clancy Imislund 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, where he began struggling with alcoholism. [1] After the war and enrolling at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, he faced recurring issues with alcohol, which led to frequent job losses and personal difficulties including the death of his son. [1] [2] He ended up homeless on Skid Row, Los Angeles. [3] Following his involvement with AA, he achieved sobriety in October 1958 and was able to eventually reunite with his family. [4]

In 1974, Imislund returned to the Midnight Mission, where he was appointed managing director in 1976. [1] 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. [4] [5] He was a sober coach to Carrie Fisher,[ citation needed ] and helped Anthony Hopkins get sober.[ citation needed ]

He died on August 21, 2020, at the age of 93. [1] [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Smith, Doug (2020-08-28). "Clancy Imislund, longtime director of L.A.'s Midnight Mission, dies at 93". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  2. ↑ I, Clancy. "One of the Funniest Talks Ever!". music.apple.com. Alcoholics Anonymous . Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  3. ↑ "Midnight Mission centennial: How this man went from homeless to managing a shelter". LAist. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  4. 1 2 "Stories of Recovery - The Clancy Imislund Collection". storiesofrecovery.org. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  5. ↑ "Clancy Imislund-Remembered". More will be revealed. 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  6. ↑ Martin, Brittany (2020-08-25). "Clancy Imislund, a Towering Figure of L.A.'s Recovery Movement, Has Died at 93". LAmag - Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
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