Carole Hillard dies at 71

We were saddened this morning to learn that Carole Hillard had died in Switzerland. According to the Rapid City Journal, Carole died Thursday, October 25, 2007, in a Lausanne hospital of complications following a broken neck suffered in a boating accident the week before. She was 71 years old. Her son Todd was quoted as saying, "She just had a vivacious zeal for life." That was certainly my impression of her last month in Chamberlain, when she was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. She led a fascinating life and was certainly an "achiever" rather than a spectator. How fortunate we were to have her in our midst while we did. Below is my posting from last month, when Carole was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Talk about a role model for women! Carole Hillard has dedicated her life to public service. A life-long social and political activist, she served on the Rapid City Common Council and two terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives before being elected to two terms as Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota. Her compassion for those less fortunate led her to founding the Rapid City women's shelter and Cornerstone Rescue Mission, as well as long service on the South Dakota Board of Charities and Corrections and the Children's Home Society. Amazingly, she has worked on over 70 democracy-building projects in developing countries around the world for the U. S. State Department and other international organizations.

Born and raised in Deadwood, Carole graduated from the University of Arizona, earned M.A. degrees at both the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. In 2005 she received an Honorary Doctorate from Dakota Wesleyan University. Among her favorite places in South Dakota: ghost towns of the Black Hills. In her travels, Carole has fished for piranhas in the Amazon, tracked mountain gorillas in Uganda, and parachuted with the Air Force Golden Knights parachute team. And we have photographic evidence that she also has pursued hang-gliding in Brazil and bungee-jumping in Zambia. What a gal!

Carole and her husband, John, operated Rapid Chevrolet for many years. She dedicated much of her life to public service. She is survived by her five children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. How proud they can be be of her -- she was truly a wonderful person, who lived life to its fullest.

South Dakota Hall of Fame

If you weren’t among the several hundred people in Chamberlain last weekend (September 7-8) for the South Dakota Hall of Fame ceremonies, you missed a real treat!

Thirteen remarkable South Dakotans were inducted into the 2007 Hall of Fame. I was there because I had nominated Charles “Eddie” Clay of Hot Springs, one of the inductees, and this was one of the most moving experiences of my life.

What motivates people to give back to their communities? How do they do it? Why? There are as many answers as there are inductees – and I’m finding out that there’s no shortage of truly generous and caring people in South Dakota. Hearing their stories is a wonderfully moving experience. One thing they all shared: a deep and abiding love for South Dakota.

The Hall of Fame was established back in 1974 to recognize and honor pioneers and outstanding leaders from all walks of life who have contributed to the development and heritage of our state. The Hall is located in Chamberlain and is a “must see” site for all South Dakotans. Learn more at their web site.

Thanks to Judd Lindquist, the staff, and many volunteers who hosted the event this year. While a Friday evening reception took place at the Hall of Fame itself, all other activities were at the beautiful Cedar Shore Resort on the west bank of the Missouri River in Oacoma.

I hope you take time to browse through a few of the photographs of the Hall of Fame activities. More importantly, I hope you’ll make plans to attend future gatherings – and plan to be inspired!

Eddie Clay honored

by Larry Miller

During weekend ceremonies on September 7-8, 2007, Charles "Eddie" Clay of Hot Springs, was among 13 outstanding citizens inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. It was an impressive event, and I was delighted to be among the hundreds of attendees who enjoyed learning about these great folks and getting acquainted with many of them. But it was especially great to visit with Eddie and Clara Clay and family members who attended.

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I’ve known Eddie Clay since 1985, when he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors that governs South Dakota Public Broadcasting. I was Deputy Executive Director of the network, and I was among the many staff members who looked up to Eddie and admired his professionalism, his wisdom, and his sage advice.

Their daughter, Bobbi Kennedy, and I conspired many months ago to nominate Eddie for the Hall of Fame, and we were overjoyed that he made it the first year he was nominated!

Eddie was born in 1922 in Stahl, Missouri and moved to Eldora, Iowa at an early age. After graduating from high school in 1940, he enlisted in the military and served with the 8th Air Force in the Pacific. Assignment to Ellsworth Air Force Base allowed him to meet and marry the love of his life, Clara May Hagen – shown in this picture with Eddie and their daughter Bobbi Kennedy. Eddie and Clara owned and operated Fall River Abstract for 43 years. And all who know Eddie and Clara know that theirs is a true “partnership” in all that they do in life.

A tireless worker in civic affairs, Eddie has provided vision and leadership to the Mount Rushmore Society, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, the Mammoth Site at Hot Springs, and numerous other organizations.

His service in the legislature and on Boards of Directors for many educational, tourism and arts organizations has been remarkable. A Mason for 50 years, Eddie Clay has been a role model for me and many South Dakotans. In addition to daughter Bobbi, the Clays have four grandchildren and four great children.

I was delighted to meet those family members able to attend the ceremony, along with friends from Hot Springs. I’ve posted a few photographs of the Hall of Fame event. More will be added in the coming days. Well done to the Hall of Fame staff for putting together a terrific program – and for having the good sense to elect Charles “Eddie” Clay as a 2007 inductee! For a glimpse of all inductees into the 2007 South Dakota Hall of Fame, visit our Hall of Fame Gallery at Galey Media.

Eddie Clay named to Hall of Fame

When Karen and I retired to the beautiful Black Hills, one of the first people I looked forward to visiting with again was Eddie Clay. I first knew Eddie in the 1980s when he was Chairman of the South Dakota Board for Educational Telecommunications and I worked for SDPB in Vermillion. He's one of those remarkable individuals who seems to thrive on activity. I believe the Energizer bunny was modeled after Eddie Clay.

Most people throughout the southern Hills region know Eddie and his delightful wife Clara. Residents of Hot Springs for more than half a century, there is hardly any aspect of positive civic life untouched by Eddie and/or Clara. So it was fitting this week that the South Dakota Hall of Fame should name Eddie Clay as one of 13 inductees for 2007.

I had heard that Eddie was being selected, but I didn't know it was in the Unsung Heroes category. While that certainly fits, he could have been chosen for any one of several categories. Governmental Affairs for his service locally and in the legislature. Communications for his leadership with South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Education & Cultural Affairs for his vision and contribution to the Mammoth Site and Mount Rushmore. Business & Trade for his many years of successful ventures with Fall River Abstract. And the list goes on.

Truth be known -- and Eddie would echo this loudly, I'm sure -- the award is as much for Clara Clay. Her own significant contributions and involvements in the community and across the region merit recognition -- and her steadfast devotion to Eddie and the partnership they've enjoyed through the years serves as a model for many of us. Much more information about Eddie will be posted in the local and statewide media in the days to come. This is a richly-deserved award. I am proud to know Eddie, Clara, and their daughter Bobbi. Those of us who know the Clay family understand why Eddie was chosen, and we offer our warmest congratulations to them all!