Clarence J. Wallen, S.J.

Clarence J. Wallen, S.J., affectionately known as "Clancy", was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 16, 1916. He attended Brophy College Preparatory, graduating in 1934. After attending the University of Southern California, he entered the Novitiate at Los Gatos on July 30, 1938. He studied Theology at Alma College (1948-52) and was ordained in San Francisco on June 15, 1951. Tertianship was made at Port Townsend. Fr. Clancy's field of expertise was mathematics. He gained a Master's (1946) and a Doctorate (1956) in mathematics at St. Louis University. His academic career was spent at Loyola University and LMU, where he taught mathematics, first as a Regent, 1946-48, and later as Professor until his retirement in 1987. He conducted research and published in the areas of the philosophy of mathematics and the solving of word problems. He served as Chair of the Department of Mathematics from 1970-1979 and was involved in a myriad of committees. He was particularly active in guiding the merger of Loyola University with Marymount College and at one point was Superior of the Jesuit Community.

Fr. Clancy's influence was widespread on campus, ranging from his teaching, his work as Trustee and on many boards, to moderating the service organization, Ignatians, to the pastoral. He faithfully presided at the daily 5:30 a.m. Mass in Sacred Heart Chapel on campus for many years and after retiring from the classroom as Professor Emeritus, he directed many of the lay faculty in 19th Annotation retreats, an activity he continued until his death.

Fr. Clancy's great avocation was cooking. He loved to spend time preparing great meals and managing to use every pot, pan and plate in the kitchen. He suffered his final heart attack at the Hermosa Beach villa and was rushed to the nearest emergency hospital, where his condition was stabilized. He was transferred to the Little Company of Mary hospital in Torrance, where he died on October 28, 2000, at the age of 84 years.