Clancy Paul Belzeski

Clarence "Clancy" Paul Belzeski, aged 64, passed away surrounded by love on April 8, 2024. Born November 6, 1959, Clancy was a beacon of joy, resilience, and compassion.

Clancy was born in East Chicago, IN, and moved to Houston, TX, at age seven, where he lived until he was a young teen. During his formative years, he was an avid and gifted baseball player. He loved collecting sports cards and could recite stats from all the players, both past and present, in the major leagues.

Clancy moved to Boise in junior high school; his musical talents shone brightly as a very accomplished trumpet player. At Borah High, he was the lead trumpet in the marching band, performing solo in front of the band at a televised half-time for a San Fransisco 49ers game. He played in the All-State Band, and he also played in orchestra. He was the lead and soloist for the Borah High Jazz Band and later Boise State University's top jazz band. At BSU, he played in many ensembles, which continued to improve his skills.

In the early 1980s, Clancy was also a regular on his trumpet, playing the Tuesday night jam sessions in their heyday at the iconic nightclub Peter Schott's downtown Boise with the legendary jazz great Gene Harris. Clancy excelled with a great tone and lovely phrasing. He had a contagious laugh and encouraged other musicians.

His commitment to service was evident through his tenure as Private First Class in the Army, a period of his life he was immensely proud of. Beyond his military service, Clancy was a successful entrepreneur, founding Koala Cab and Boise Airport Taxi, where his quick wit and open heart made him a beloved figure among co-workers and customers alike.

Clancy's life was a testament to the power of giving and laughter. He had an innate ability to lighten the heaviest of hearts with his humor and to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. His legacy is carried on by his daughter, Amber, his pride and joy, and his four grandsons, Austin, Dakotah, Richy, and TJ, who were the light of his life. Clancy is also survived by his siblings Susan, Crystal, Marlene, Greg, and Jennifer, as well as countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. Clancy was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Isadore Belzeski and Jennie Joanne Henderson Belzeski.

Clancy's presence brought a unique light to every room. His quirky humor and capacity to always speak his mind—though sometimes a bit gruffly—endeared him to all who knew him. Clancy was a sports enthusiast and also loved gardening, often sharing the bounty with others.

Above all, Clancy's world revolved around his daughter, Amber, and his four grandsons. Amber describes her father as "the best person I've known," praising his kindness, fairness, loving nature, and generosity. She reflects on her fortune as a daughter, feeling eternally rich in care and love thanks to her father. Clancy's pride in his family knew no bounds, often bragging about his siblings, especially his big sister Susan, who always made him feel safe.

Clancy's impact extended far beyond his immediate circle, touching the lives of many who remembered him as a "light in this world," a "neat guy" whose smile was contagious, and a "watcher" with a love of knowledge and people. His advice to be kind to others and to live authentically and in the moment will be remembered by all.

As we remember Clancy, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, filled with moments of joy, kindness, and capacity to love. Rest in peace, Clancy; your memory will forever be a beacon of light in the lives of those you've touched.