John Loucks, a longtime member of the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources, was surprised during Wednesday's West Dakota water district meeting with a framed proclamation from Gov. Mike Rounds declaring Nov. 19 to be "John Loucks Day" in the state.

Brad Johnson, chairman of the seven-member state water and natural resources board, thanked Loucks for his service to the state and called Loucks a mentor on the board who helped him learn the ropes.

"Recently, he resigned his position on the board, and we didn't have an opportunity at our meeting to adequately thank John for his effort and his time he's put into water issues in this state," Johnson said. "We thought it was important to do that, to take the time to recognize John for everything he's done."

Loucks, 90, recently decided to resign from the board after breaking a hip. He has been a board member since September 1989.

According to the proclamation, Loucks promoted economic development in South Dakota in his former capacity as economic director for the West River Rural Electric Association and later as the executive director of the Old West Regional Commission.

Loucks also was an original member of the West Dakota Water Development District board of directors. Officials said he provided valuable guidance in the development and direction of the organization in his more than 22 years of service.

Loucks served as chairman of the steering committee for the Black Hills Hydrology Study and the Black Hills Water Management Study, which greatly enhanced knowledge and understanding of the quantity, quality, and distribution of surface- and ground-water resources in the Black Hills.

"John was the very first person, when I was appointed, to send me a note of congratulations and welcome, and told me I would have a great time on the board, and I certainly have," Johnson said. "I've always looked to John for leadership and wisdom because he was the one who knew the most."

Van Lindquist of the West Dakota Water Development District board said Loucks has been "absolutely invaluable" to the board over the years through his knowledge and experience.

"When looking for people to serve, John was always able to say, 'I know so-and-so, and they'd be wonderful to work with.' I won't say John hand-picked board members, but he influenced a number to serve on the board," Lindquist said.

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com