Chris L. McKenney
Retired attorney Chris L. McKenney, a lifelong member of the Washtenaw County Bar Association, died March 16 at the age of 92.
A native of Lowell in Kent County, he spent his early years in Fairgrove, Tuscola County, before moving to Ann Arbor. He attended Slauson Middle School and Ann Arbor High School, where he was dean of the debate team, played baseball, and was voted most likely to succeed.
He married Linda Lofberg in 1955. Both attended the University of Michigan where he was awarded Regents and Westinghouse Scholarships, and joined the Air Force ROTC, through which he earned the Chicago Tribune Gold Medal of Outstanding Achievement and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1956.
McKinney served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force until 1959, and returned to Ann Arbor.
He earned his Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Michigan in 1962, and was admitted to the Michigan Bar that same year.
He joined the law firm now known as Conlin, McKenney & Philbrick, P.C., where he built his practice as a preeminent business, corporate, banking, and real property lawyer. He earned his “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell in 1972, and was listed in the Best Lawyers in America continuously from 1991.
McKinney served on the Board of Directors of multiple banks, privately held manufacturing companies, and other client corporations. He also served in positions of leadership as president (and later, chair of Leadership Giving) of the United Way of Washtenaw, chair of the board of the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, and trustee of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
McKinney retired from the practice of law at the age of 85. A widower, he married Fay Coombe), and enjoyed traveling, attending Michigan and other sporting events, Euchre tournaments, and spending time with friends and family.
Chris is survived by his wife, Fay M. (Coombe) McKenney; children, Elizabeth (Bill) Petoskey, Frank (Lexi) McKenney, Marti (Matt) Derrenberger, and Marjorie (Andrew) Dixon; grandchildren, Megan, Joe, Katie, Jim, Cassie, Jane, Michael, Anne, Jennifer, and Bennett; eight great grandchildren; his sister, Sara Plushnick; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held March 24. Donations are suggested to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
Retired attorney Chris L. McKenney, a lifelong member of the Washtenaw County Bar Association, died March 16 at the age of 92.
A native of Lowell in Kent County, he spent his early years in Fairgrove, Tuscola County, before moving to Ann Arbor. He attended Slauson Middle School and Ann Arbor High School, where he was dean of the debate team, played baseball, and was voted most likely to succeed.
He married Linda Lofberg in 1955. Both attended the University of Michigan where he was awarded Regents and Westinghouse Scholarships, and joined the Air Force ROTC, through which he earned the Chicago Tribune Gold Medal of Outstanding Achievement and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1956.
McKinney served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force until 1959, and returned to Ann Arbor.
He earned his Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Michigan in 1962, and was admitted to the Michigan Bar that same year.
He joined the law firm now known as Conlin, McKenney & Philbrick, P.C., where he built his practice as a preeminent business, corporate, banking, and real property lawyer. He earned his “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell in 1972, and was listed in the Best Lawyers in America continuously from 1991.
McKinney served on the Board of Directors of multiple banks, privately held manufacturing companies, and other client corporations. He also served in positions of leadership as president (and later, chair of Leadership Giving) of the United Way of Washtenaw, chair of the board of the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, and trustee of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
McKinney retired from the practice of law at the age of 85. A widower, he married Fay Coombe), and enjoyed traveling, attending Michigan and other sporting events, Euchre tournaments, and spending time with friends and family.
Chris is survived by his wife, Fay M. (Coombe) McKenney; children, Elizabeth (Bill) Petoskey, Frank (Lexi) McKenney, Marti (Matt) Derrenberger, and Marjorie (Andrew) Dixon; grandchildren, Megan, Joe, Katie, Jim, Cassie, Jane, Michael, Anne, Jennifer, and Bennett; eight great grandchildren; his sister, Sara Plushnick; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held March 24. Donations are suggested to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
