The Vermillion Rotary Club has lost another beloved member. On the morning of November 6, Sylvester “Cliff” Clifford passed away at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 12 at the First United Methodist Church in Vermillion.

   Cliff served as a professor in the Speech and Hearing Department (now Communication Disorders Department) at the University of South Dakota and worked hard to improve the services provided to all South Dakotans. Cliff brought that desire to serve to his four decades of membership in Rotary. Cliff joined the Vermillion Club in 1970 and was an active member throughout that time, including attending a meeting just 10 days before his passing. Cliff contributed to the Rotary Club’s many activities over the years and served as President of the club in 1986.

   As is noted in his obituary, “Cliff always worked to improve the lives of those around him in large and small ways with his loving heart and generous spirit.” Whether he was working to improve speech and hearing services in the region, or supporting his local church, the Vermillion United Way, and Rotary Club, Cliff was always the epitome of the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. We will miss seeing you, Cliff.