Chris L. McKenney

Chris L. McKenney passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 92. He lived a long, rewarding life marked by deep love, steady strength, and quiet accomplishment, and he will be greatly missed by the family and friends who were fortunate to share in it.

Born on December 21, 1933, in Lowell, Michigan, to Frank and Emma (Hansen) McKenney, Chris spent his early childhood in Fairgrove with his parents and younger sister, Sara. After his father’s death when he was eight, he moved with his mother and sister to Ann Arbor. There he attended Slauson Middle School and Ann Arbor High School, where he excelled on the debate team, played baseball, formed lifelong friendships, and met Linda Lofberg, the young woman who would become his wife.

Chris and Linda married in 1955 after both attending the University of Michigan. Their marriage began a partnership of more than six decades. Chris earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1956, followed by service as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He and Linda welcomed their first child, Betsy, while stationed in Illinois, and their son, Frank, during a brief leave from Newfoundland. After completing his service in 1959, Chris returned to Ann Arbor, where daughters Marti and Marjie were born. He went on to earn both an MBA and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan in 1962 and was admitted to the Michigan Bar that same year.

Chris joined what became the firm of Conlin, McKenney & Philbrick, P.C., where he built a distinguished career as a respected business, corporate, banking, and real property attorney. Known for his wisdom and integrity, he earned the highest professional rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was repeatedly recognized among the Best Lawyers in America. He served on numerous corporate boards and gave generously of his time to the community, including as president of the United Way of Washtenaw County, chair of the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, and trustee of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

A devoted Michigan sports fan, Chris held season tickets for decades, enjoyed tailgates with old friends, and traveled to many away games. He cherished time at the beach with his grandchildren, teaching them to fly kites and delighting them with his legendary popcorn. After Linda’s death, he retired from the practice of law at age 85. In the years that followed, he found new happiness with Fay Coombe, whom he married and with whom he shared travels, sporting events, card games, and the company of family and friends.

Chris was the steadfast rock of his family—dependable in every crisis, quietly encouraging everyone to reach higher, and always there to offer support when needed. He is survived by his wife, Fay M. (Coombe) McKenney; his children, Elizabeth (Bill) Petoskey, Frank (Lexi) McKenney, Marti (Matt) Derrenberger, and Marjorie (Andrew) Dixon; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Sara Plushnick; and many loving nieces and nephews. His wisdom, strength, and love remain with all of them.