Rounds Pays Tribute to Clint Roberts on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today delivered a floor speech to honor the life and legacy of his friend, former U.S. Rep. Clint Roberts, who passed away on Feb. 13th at the age of 82. In addition to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Roberts served in the South Dakota State Senate and as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture.
“Clint was a mentor and a hero to me and many others and – I’m proud to say – lifelong friend to me and Jean,” said Rounds on the senate floor. “He had a tremendously positive impact on the many thousands of people he met and touched with his kindness, selflessness and generosity. South Dakota is a better state and we are a better people because of his hard work and dedication.”
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
“I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of Clint Roberts, who passed away in the early morning hours of February 13th at the age of 82.
Clint is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the South Dakota State Senate, and a former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture.
He helped give birth to the Conservation Reserve and Conservation Reserve Enhancement programs, which have been extremely beneficial to farmers, ranchers and landowners not only in South Dakota but across the country.
These programs helped increase farm and ranch family incomes at a time of great economic turmoil.
But more importantly, Clint was a mentor and a hero to me and many others and – I’m proud to say – lifelong friend to me and Jean.
I have always looked up to Clint and sought him out for advice.
I first met Clint when I was an intern in the South Dakota State Senate in 1976, when he was serving in a leadership position.
He taught me many valuable lessons over the years – about politics, policy, family and public service – just to name a few.
He also is credited with introducing me to that exquisite combination of water and scotch over 40 years ago at The Kings Inn in Pierre.
Clint grew up on a ranch near Presho in Lyman County and never let go of his cowboy roots.
He was an iconic symbol of the cowboy and the Wild West.
So much so, he was one of the finalists to be the “Marlboro Man” in the mid-1970s.
He also appeared in minor roles in films and even a Super Bowl commercial.
But even off-camera, he was a cowboy through-and-through.
He was down-to-earth, a straight-shooter, and a practical conservative who believed in freedom and helping those in need.
He was also a problem-solver who fixed what was wrong instead of just talking about it.
He was one of the true conservationists in South Dakota – promoting wildlife and conservation on his operating farm and ranch.
He taught many the importance of the CRP program and preserving our natural resources.
During hunting season, he always opened his ranch to hunters and loved making his “secret” recipe for chili for all to enjoy.
But, most of all, he understood the importance of family; he was a great husband to Bev, and a great father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
And, he was a great friend to all who knew him.
He had a tremendously positive impact on the many thousands of people he met and touched with his kindness, selflessness and generosity.
South Dakota is a better state and we are a better people because of his hard work and dedication to making it better.
With this, I welcome the opportunity to recognize and commemorate the life of this public servant and my friend, Clint Roberts.
We will treasure his legacy for years to come.”
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