Saying farewell to an Oklahoma legend

Our state recently lost a true legend and a great Oklahoman. Clem McSpadden, who served the people of Oklahoma in the state Legislature and in the halls of Congress, and was an admired rodeo announcer across the continent, died recently at the age of 82.
Clem was also a dear friend, not just to me, but to all who knew him. Taking the words of his great-uncle, Will Rogers, to heart, Clem never met a man he didn’t like. He was a gentleman’s gentleman — one of the kindest people I’ve ever met — and he treated everyone, everywhere with great respect.
Clem’s life story seems interwoven with the story of our state and its people. Through his legislative career, Clem helped shape our state and move it forward. In the rodeo arena, he carried on the tradition and the majesty of the West. Clem recalled childhood visits with his Uncle Will, and it was Clem who, in 1974, invited a young Oklahoma college student named Reba McEntire to sing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo.
He was also an incredible salesman — a trait that no doubt helped him in his work as a legislator and, later, as a lobbyist. He spent 18 years in the state Legislature followed by one term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As a dedicated public servant, he worked throughout his career to improve the lives of those around him. Despite the divisive nature of politics, Clem built solid relationships on both sides of the political aisle and won the admiration and respect of Democrats and Republicans alike.
Clem McSpadden’s life was one of service and accomplishment yet, despite his success as a rodeo announcer and astuteness in the political arena, his greatest accomplishment may be that he was universally loved and respected. He will be missed by more people than he could possibly imagine.
Like all Oklahomans, Kim and I send our thoughts and prayers to the McSpadden family. We join them in mourning the loss of a wonderful human being, and we celebrate the life of Clem McSpadden and all he did for the state he loved.
If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the “Contact the Governor” section of my Web site, www.governor.ok.gov.