Marques Clarence McClanahan died peacefully after a brief illness from complications from Alzheimer's disease on January 2, 2018. He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Mildred (Nichols) McClanahan, and his sister Eloise (McClanahan) Griesmeyer. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Faye (Wheeler) McClanahan, his five children and their families, Craig McClanahan (Ruth), David McClanahan, Julie Baugh, Edward McClanahan (Melanie), and Kathleen Wolfe (Doug), his brother-in-law and best man, Don Griesmeyer, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by an extensive family of nieces and nephews and their families.
Mark was born in Montrose, Colorado on February 19, 1930. In his younger years his work included selling men's suits, demonstrating razors, selling sewing machines, and working in his father's furniture store. His future career as a lawyer may have begun when he was expelled for accidentally leading a successful student walk-out in support of the teachers, something his children didn't learn of until his 50th wedding anniversary. He received his undergraduate degree cum laude from Willamette University in 1952, followed by his J.D. degree from its law school in 1954. After graduating, Mark joined the Miller Nash law firm in Portland, Oregon, and was invited to become a partner on the day his youngest son was born in 1960. Mark practiced law with Miller Nash from 1954-1995, then went into private practice.
Mark served as Attorney for the Portland School Board, and later provided legal services for Pacific University in Forest Grove as a member of the Board of Trustees. While working with the Portland schools, he was integrally involved in the resolution of the Jackson secession case of 1986 in the Oregon Court of Appeals. One of Mark's lengthy and successful legal projects took place with Frank Nash over the span of 30 years, involving claims under the Indian Claims Commission Act for Indian Tribes on the Warm Springs and Umatilla reservations. Mark also worked closely with Frank Nash in the lengthy Chiles v. Fred Meyer case, one of the longest civil trials in Oregon history. Mark even participated in arguments presented to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Mark also enjoyed activities including golf, skiing, tennis, and traveling. A member of Portland Golf Club for more than 40 years, Mark golfed as recently as June 2017. He skied and played tennis into his 80's. Favorite memories include November trips to Palm Desert for golf, tennis, and visits with old friends Gene and Karen Nelson; skiing at Mt. Hood Meadows, Mt. Bachelor, and Aspen; and golfing on vacations including The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. Mark also enjoyed driving his new Audi 5000 on the German Autobahn during a three-month sabbatical in Europe. Mark and Faye also traveled to Russia, Ireland, and Italy, and even shook hands with the Pope. They were accompanied on two of these trips by good friends Judge James and Helen Burns.
Additional favorite memories include holiday visits, especially with the Greismeyer clan, bridge club, family trips including the Bar M Ranch in eastern Oregon, supporting The Assistance League of Portland, monthly dances with the Portland Heights Dance Club, and friendships in the Windjammers group at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Hillsdale.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 3228 SW Sunset Blvd., Portland, OR 97239. Interment will be private at Skyline Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens. Condolences may be sent via the Skyline website.
Donations in Mark's honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Foundation, the Assistance League of Portland, or the charity of your choice.
Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.
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