2015 Benton County- Rick Claeys

Rick Claeys was a member of the Benton County Pork Producers, a member of the Benton County 4-H Committee and served as Swine Superintendent at the Benton County Fair. He truly enjoyed working with the youth, the parents and supporters and had a listening ear for parents and members who wanted to share their thoughts and ideas.  He always had a smile and great sense of humor.

Rick was a staple at the swine weigh-ins and swine shows. The first year he had to announce the swine show, he told the County Youth Coordinator, “I’ll do it if you can’t find anybody else.” As many volunteers well know, those are famous last words. Rick announced the swine show that year and for the next 6 years.  He did a great job and made sure to acknowledge every exhibitor, all of the show ring help and every supporter and business that contributed to the swine show repeatedly as he felt that you could never thank people enough for their time and support.

There were many things Rick did behind the scenes to make weigh-ins, shows, and events happen. He never asked for a Thank You – he did it because he loved the organizations that he was a part of and believed in their mission. He was always willing to help someone and he always did it with a smile. One of the numerous events that Rick was a part of was overseeing the county fair swine auction for the past 10+ years.

In December 2014, Rick was killed in a car accident. There are no words that can tell you the tremendous loss his absence has on his family and friends as well as the Benton County 4-H Program. Even though Rick’s familiar face will not be at the end of the swine check-in chute, at the swine show or walking between the pork tent and the swine area at county fair this year, we know that he would want us to make sure the youth have a great county fair this year and every year after.