Charles McClellan Obituary

Charles William "Bill" McClellan passed away on March 27, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. Bill was born on December 22, 1946 to Dr. Charles W. McClellan and Cathryn E. McClellan in Oklahoma City. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1948 and remained residents of this beautiful city since then. Bill is survived by his mother, Cathryn; his younger brother, Jim; and his son, Dean, whom he was very proud of. His father, Dr. McClellan passed away in 1994. Bill graduated from Wasson High School in 1964 where he was a popular athlete, musician and participant in student government. He graduated from the University of Colorado, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Anthropology. He took part in archaeological excavations at Mesa Verde National Park and maintained an interest in anthropology and archaeology throughout his life. Bill was an accomplished musician, singer and song writer, having played music all his life. He was a professional musician and performed in many clubs, restaurants, concerts, private parties and other occasions throughout Colorado. He performed as a single entertainer and as a member of a variety of musical groups, in which he was the front man, lead singer and guitar player. Bill and his brother, Jim often played music together and performed publicly many times over the years. He made and distributed a CD of some of his original songs in 2008, entitled “Magpie Dreams�. Bill was also an active motorcyclist and enjoyed riding on both dirt and paved surfaces. He had been employed in a number of motorcycle shops in Colorado Springs. Bill lived as a strong-headed individualist, whose viewpoint of life was shaped by influences ranging from anthropology and archaeology, to friends and family and to the arts and philosophies, such as I Ching. Bill greatly admired dogs and was the master of numerous canines who loved him as much as he loved them. He and his brother, Jim helped care for his Mother, until he was physically unable to do so. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful� Chapel.