Leaders React To McSpadden's Death
Governor Brad Henry: “Clem McSpadden was a true Oklahoman, a dear friend and a deeply committed public servant who loved the state of Oklahoma and its people, and he spent his life working to make a difference in the lives of those around him. Through his work in the Oklahoma Legislature and in Congress, Clem helped to build the great state we know today. Clem was not only respected in political circles. Outside of the State Capitol and Washington, D.C., he was known and admired as a legendary rodeo announcer who loved the sport and carried on the heritage and tradition of the West. Kim and I send our deepest condolences to the McSpadden family. I know we join all Oklahomans and many more around the country in extending our thoughts and prayers to them in this time of grief.” U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe: "Clem was a close personal friend; our friendship went well beyond politics. When I was first elected to the State Senate in 1968, it was Clem, the Democratic President Pro-Temp, who gave me a ride to the Capitol on my first day and took the time to introduce me to fellow members. Like many Oklahomans, I will most fondly remember him for his rodeo announcing. Clem will long be remembered and admired for his many contributions to Oklahoma. His family is in our thoughts and prayers." Congressman Dan Boren: “Clem McSpadden was a cherished mentor and advisor to me and so many other elected leaders across Oklahoma. He was a State Legislator, U.S. Congressman, businessman, rancher, long-time rodeo announcer, and always remained a devoted public servant to his community, state, and country. Andrea and my prayers are with Donna and the entire McSpadden family. Thousands of people across the nation share in the sadness of their loss. Clem’s life and memory is fully woven into the fabric of Oklahoma’s heritage. There are very few people who would make such a great role model for us all.”
Senate President Co-pro Temore Glenn Coffee: “Last night Oklahoma lost one of its finest cowboys, Clem McSpadden. He was a worthy successor to the Will Rogers mantle, and a legend in his own right. Clem McSpadden loved his country and his state and served them both with honor and dignity. We will dearly miss him.”
Senate Democrat Caucus Chair Kenneth Corn: “I’ve known Clem since I first came to the Capitol 10 years ago. He was a strong voice for agriculture and the rural way of life. He was truly a legend in his own time who exhibited the very values that make Oklahoma great. Clem McSpadden was one of Oklahoma’s last great cowboys. We’ll miss his steady leadership and presence at the State Capitol and his voice in the rodeo arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss.”
Congresswoman Mary Fallin: “Clem McSpadden was an Oklahoma legend who served our state in Congress and whose long and illustrious career in rodeo helped popularize a uniquely American sport. His good humor was always contagious, whether it was at our state or national Capitol or in the rodeo arena. I know all Oklahomans join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to his family, and in mourning the loss of an outstanding representative of our state.”
Senate President Co-pro Tempore Mike Morgan: --“Oklahoma lost a real champion last night, with the passing of Clem Mcspadden. His contribution to this state will be realized for years to come, and our people are better off today because he gave his heart to making Oklahoma a better place to live, work and raise a family. Clem embodied the true meaning of public servant, and treated every person with whom he had contact with respect and kindness. It was an honor and pleasure to work with this wonderful man and the lessons he taught me about serving my state with dignity and pride will stay with me forever.”
House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan: “Clem McSpadden’s contributions to our state are immeasurable, and he has left a lasting imprint on the lives of countless Oklahomans. I always thought Clem was larger than life. He would call to mind John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, the great names of our past and present who captured our hearts and minds with their work. Clem was an outstanding statesman and public servant, and we have all lost a great and beloved leader in his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Senator Sean Burrage: “Clem was a tremendous Oklahoman, legendary for what he accomplished in two of the toughest arenas – politics and professional rodeo. He was a great champion for the growth and development of Northeastern Oklahoma. He created the blueprint for representing this region. He will always be admired for his courage and steadfast commitment to the people of Oklahoma. He was truly an inspiring leader and all of our lives have been enriched by his presence." House Speaker Chris Benge: “Clem McSpadden was a true statesman and held immense respect here at the Capitol from those in both political parties. Clem had a great impact on the state of Oklahoma; one that will continue on in history. It has been an honor and privilege to work with him during his years at the Capitol and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this trying time.” Image of McSpadden speaking at the dedication of the Chelsea Post Office in his name last January courtesy the Tulsa World.
Senate President Co-pro Temore Glenn Coffee: “Last night Oklahoma lost one of its finest cowboys, Clem McSpadden. He was a worthy successor to the Will Rogers mantle, and a legend in his own right. Clem McSpadden loved his country and his state and served them both with honor and dignity. We will dearly miss him.”
Senate Democrat Caucus Chair Kenneth Corn: “I’ve known Clem since I first came to the Capitol 10 years ago. He was a strong voice for agriculture and the rural way of life. He was truly a legend in his own time who exhibited the very values that make Oklahoma great. Clem McSpadden was one of Oklahoma’s last great cowboys. We’ll miss his steady leadership and presence at the State Capitol and his voice in the rodeo arena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss.”
Congresswoman Mary Fallin: “Clem McSpadden was an Oklahoma legend who served our state in Congress and whose long and illustrious career in rodeo helped popularize a uniquely American sport. His good humor was always contagious, whether it was at our state or national Capitol or in the rodeo arena. I know all Oklahomans join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to his family, and in mourning the loss of an outstanding representative of our state.”
Senate President Co-pro Tempore Mike Morgan: --“Oklahoma lost a real champion last night, with the passing of Clem Mcspadden. His contribution to this state will be realized for years to come, and our people are better off today because he gave his heart to making Oklahoma a better place to live, work and raise a family. Clem embodied the true meaning of public servant, and treated every person with whom he had contact with respect and kindness. It was an honor and pleasure to work with this wonderful man and the lessons he taught me about serving my state with dignity and pride will stay with me forever.”
House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan: “Clem McSpadden’s contributions to our state are immeasurable, and he has left a lasting imprint on the lives of countless Oklahomans. I always thought Clem was larger than life. He would call to mind John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, the great names of our past and present who captured our hearts and minds with their work. Clem was an outstanding statesman and public servant, and we have all lost a great and beloved leader in his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Senator Sean Burrage: “Clem was a tremendous Oklahoman, legendary for what he accomplished in two of the toughest arenas – politics and professional rodeo. He was a great champion for the growth and development of Northeastern Oklahoma. He created the blueprint for representing this region. He will always be admired for his courage and steadfast commitment to the people of Oklahoma. He was truly an inspiring leader and all of our lives have been enriched by his presence." House Speaker Chris Benge: “Clem McSpadden was a true statesman and held immense respect here at the Capitol from those in both political parties. Clem had a great impact on the state of Oklahoma; one that will continue on in history. It has been an honor and privilege to work with him during his years at the Capitol and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this trying time.” Image of McSpadden speaking at the dedication of the Chelsea Post Office in his name last January courtesy the Tulsa World.
Labels: Clem McSpadden
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