Remembering Extraordinary Inductees Who Passed in 2023
Over the last 50 years, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has inducted 782 individuals who have helped shape South Dakota into the amazing state we call home today. These inductees' legacies are profound and inspiring and serve as a poignant tool to inspire future leaders of South Dakota.
That is the power of a legacy–it continues to inspire others long after we pass. In 2023 we were saddened by the loss of some extraordinary individuals who have been inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. They lived inspiring lives that exemplified excellence, and we feel truly honored to acknowledge and share their legacies with you here.
Inductees We Said Goodbye to In 2023
James Abourezk | 1931–2023
James G. Abourezk, a skilled lawyer, ran for the Second District U.S. House of Representatives seat covering western South Dakota, which he won by less than two percent. James was the first Democrat to win that seat since the FDR landslides in the 1930s. Raised by immigrants from Lebanon, he was known as a champion of the underrepresented. James’s signature achievements while in the Senate included the creation of the American Indian Policy Review Commission, (AIPRC) which after two years of intensive study, produced a series of recommendations to ease the plight of Native Americans. Legislation resulting from the AIPRC included the passage of the Indian Self-Determination Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and the Indian Freedom of Religion Act.
Robert “Bob” Barker | 1923–2023
Robert “Bob” Barker is beloved by millions for his time on “The Price is Right”. Barker has been named in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Most Generous Host in Television History" for awarding $55 million in prizes on his various shows. During the ensuing years, the $55 million figure has grown to more than $350 million. The "Price Is Right" is not only America's highest rated daytime game show, it is also the longest running game show in television history, surpassing "What's My Line'" which ran for 18 seasons. On April 26, 2002, Bob broke Johnny Carson’s record for continuous performances on the same network television show.
Dr. James O. Hansen | 1928–2023
Dr. James O. Hansen virtually has held every position in the South Dakota scheme of education. Dr. Hansen was a teacher of mathematics, chemistry, and physics for the Philip School District and later served as High School Principal. He began his role as Superintendent of Schools at Wessington, followed by Gregory, and culminated at Lake Central School District in Madison, where he successfully led a massive school district reorganization process. Dr. Hansen is known as a thoughtful, sensitive, caring professional. A colleague once shared, “Dr. Hansen is the one who gave me a start as a teacher; if it hadn’t been for him, I probably would have never been a public school teacher. I found this kind, fair, very intelligent, perceptive superintendent to be made for his position.”
Gene LeBrun | 1939–2023
Gene LeBrun spent over forty-eight years in the general practice of law, primarily engaged in representing business clients, intellectual property matters, educational law, and utility law. Gene was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives at a time when he was one of the first Democrats to be elected from Pennington County in over thirty years. He was elected Speaker of the House, at the age of thirty-four and was one of the youngest Speakers in the country. Major legislation such as the creation of the South Dakota Investment Council, the South Dakota Environmental Protection Act, and the Unified Judicial System, to name just a few were passed into law during his time serving the state of South Dakota.
Marian Sullivan | 1928–2023
Marian Sullivan learned at an early age the value of hard work, dedication to a goal, and a lifestyle of giving back. After the passing of her husband, Marian carried on and the company they founded together, Sullivan Import Company, continued to grow as a viable business in the gift industry. In 1994, Sullivans moved from two warehouses to a 137,000-square-foot state-of-the-art complex. The business expanded and became a highly respected global entity within the gift industry. Marian received many awards and accolades for her business prowess and philanthropy. She has shared her life philosophy, business expertise, and generosity with her home state of South Dakota.
These individuals supported communities, created opportunities, sought truth, and exemplified leadership in South Dakota. We are thankful and humbled by their contributions to helping make South Dakota a better state.