Community Member Mike McLane joined our Fox Run family last January 2024, after selling his Connecticut home and moving into one of our luxury apartments.
Charting a New Course
Mike was born in Oak Park, Illinois, where he grew up until relocating to Annapolis, Maryland. There, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and went on to enjoy a distinguished naval career spanning from 1958 to 1981.
During his active duty, Mike married his childhood sweetheart, Cindy. While they kept their home base in Connecticut, the McLanes lived in several exciting locations throughout Mike’s service—including Hawaii, Italy, and Japan. Over the years, he served on numerous naval ships, including the USS Newport News, USS Wahoo, USS Sargo, and USS T. Roosevelt. He eventually became the Commanding Officer of the USS Daniel Webster.
Following his retirement from the Navy in 1981, Mike launched a second career in IT and computer systems, working for several companies as well as the Coast Guard’s Research & Development Center. He and Cindy officially retired in 2015, enjoying their well-earned free time together.
The McLanes, Mike and Cindy, loved to travel—frequently visiting a private island in the Bahamas owned by a friend, and once taking a memorable journey to Machu Picchu in Peru. After 64 wonderful years of marriage, Cindy sadly passed away March, 2023..
Mike and Cindy were blessed with two children—a daughter who lives in Little Valley, New York, and a son based in Washington, D.C.—as well as three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mike is an avid writer and a lover of Haiku, the traditional Japanese verse form. He’s even published a book of his own compositions. Along with personal creative pursuits, Mike has immersed himself in Fox Run life, joining the choir and looking forward to participating in our Community’s fitness programs.
Whether it’s at choir practice or around campus, be sure to say hello and give Mike a warm wave!
Recently, we sat down with Mike to ask him a few questions about his experience living here at Fox Run.
What made you decide to come to Fox Run?
“My wife died almost two years ago and we had been living in Connecticut for 52 years, whereas our closest family member was either in Little Valley, NY or D.C. I went on a website search for a continuing care retirement community that would be close to my daughter in Little Valley. After getting in touch with Maureen, I was invited for a tour and ended up having a very fun chat with Laurie, the Wellness Nurse. About three to four months later, I was offered an apartment, which my daughter helped me move into from Connecticut. She visits about twice a month, and my son and his wife come out occasionally, and they all say how happy they are with my choice and how much they enjoy Fox Run.”
What would you tell a friend about Fox Run?
“I love it here! I love the staff—Bill, the CEO, would have made a great submarine commanding officer. This is a very special place, and a lot of that is because of Bill and the people he hires. The Fox Run community lifestyle is a big selling point. I’ve gotten involved in the Fox Run Choir, and go to Catholic church service. I even sang at Karaoke night recently, which was a lot of fun. And I loved the idea of the refundable entrance plan.”
What do you think of Fox Run’s upcoming expansion?
“I’m excited for the expansion. It means Fox Run will have a good, long future.”
Do you have any stories about Fox Run?
“My first week of living at Fox Run, I called maintenance at five in the morning when my air mattress went flat. Maintenance came 20 minutes later with a bed for me until my new one was delivered. Excellent service! I knew right then and there that this was the right place for me and I have never looked back!”
