Washburn native Clint Hill visited Norsk Hostfest in Minot in 2012, when he was inducted into the Scandinavian Hall of Fame. He returned to Hostfest in 2016 to speak about his experiences in Washington from the 1950s through 1970s.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong released the following statement regarding the passing Hill, who received the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, in November 2018.

“Clint Hill embodied the qualities of courage, service and sacrifice. His loyalty to his country and his devotion to his solemn duty to protect the president continues to inspire us to this day,” Armstrong said. “North Dakota has lost a legendary native son.”

In accepting the Rough Rider Award from then-Gov. Doug Burgum, Hill said it was a humbling experience to be placed on the list of achievers who have previously received the award.

“You have made a fellow North Dakotan a very proud and happy man,” Hill said. “I may have left North Dakota because of employment opportunities, but my heart and soul will always be here in Washburn, along the banks of the Missouri River in McLean County.”