July 11, 1950 - May 11, 2023

Michael Edward McLellan, 72, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on May 11, 2023, following a sudden aortic tear. “No one made me laugh like Michael” is a frequent refrain from his loved ones, and how he will fondly be remembered the most. His impossibly quick wit and ability to make people smile in even the darkest of circumstances were a true gift to everyone who knew him.

Michael, known affectionately to many as Mac, "Uncle Mike" (and “Snickies” to a few), was born July 11, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia. The family moved to Kansas City in 1951 then became early residents of Overland Park in 1954 when there was nothing but farmland south of 87th Street. He attended Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic School and both Rockhurst and Shawnee Mission West High Schools, where he established numerous friendships that lasted through his life. He gladly opted for a GED, took a few classes at JCCC then left the world of formal academics but remained a life-long learner, with help from several cherished mentors.

After stints unloading boxcars, pouring concrete, and manufacturing springs, he began the pursuit of his passions – music and art. He idolized The Beatles and attended their Kansas City concert in 1964 with his brother Alex. Although he was a successful drummer performing in rock bands, dance bands and at the occasional wedding in the late '60s and early '70s, he ultimately shifted his focus to visual art. He wrote contemporary cards for Hallmark, while working as a psychiatric aide in mental health hospitals, mostly with drug and alcohol patients.

Michael's world changed in 1971 when he met Kipp Schuessler, a graphic artist, Hallmark cartoonist and a generous mentor. Through Kipp and his wife Anita, Michael was introduced into a world of talent and creativity, most importantly when he met Fred (Fritz) Jaeger, a renowned artist and professor who escaped Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1938.  Michael became Fred's apprentice and studied with him in the late '70s until Fred's death in 1980. For the next 40 years Michael immersed himself in art and created pieces that are displayed in personal collections in several countries. Frederick Jaeger: Artist (jaegergallery.com)

He often stated the best thing he ever did was marry the love of his life, his soulmate Kathy (Cooper) McLellan in May of 1977. They shared many wonderful adventures together during their nearly 46 years of marriage. The early years of their marriage were focused on raising Kathy’s two younger brothers and helping the Cooper family negotiate an extraordinarily difficult time.  Later years enabled them to make McLellan family trips to the beach in Florida, and to enjoy a 6-week sabbatical in the Netherlands in 1993 exploring the homeland of Rembrandt (one of Michael's biggest inspirations), Vermeer, Van Gogh. . . and a few coffeeshops. They were devoted to each other and ended most days sharing a cup of tea and perhaps watching the latest Masterpiece on PBS.

His only biological child, Jennifer Ann (1969-2020), was adopted and raised by his parents while remaining the light of his life.  Theirs was a special bond, and both have been described as among the most delightful and unique humans you would have the pleasure of knowing. The McLellan family was beyond blessed to have them both, though neither for nearly long enough.

Michael was a voracious reader, student of history, politics, physics and astronomy and over the past decade had 30-40 virtual chess games going at a time with on-line friends and acquaintances around the world. He was a follower of the Tao, a simple man who believed that 'life is but a dream'.  He loved a good hamburger and most sweets.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Harold (“Mac”) and Louise (“Sweetie”) McLellan, his daughter Jennifer McLellan, and his brother William (Bill) McLellan. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by countless friends and family, his dearest “Kat” first and foremost. His brother Alex McLellan, and his sisters Marie (Roland) Charles (Collierville, TN) and Jane (Robert) Card (Darlington, MD), his sister-in-law Betty (Fred) Sanchez (Tucson, AZ), brothers-in-law John (Cally) Cooper (Salt Lake City, UT), Jerry (Robyn) Cooper (Austin, TX), Steve Cooper (Winfield, KS) as well as his many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Mike.

A celebration of life for Michael and Jennifer will be held Saturday, October 28 from 5:00-8:00 pm, with plans to show some of his artwork from over the years and a request to share all the ways he made us laugh like no other. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to causes Michael cared about  https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/making-a-donation/ , https://www.growingfutureseec.org/   or https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/norml-foundation-1?refcode=site