Doc Farber

Argus Leader:

South Dakota lost an influential citizen early Saturday when William O. "Doc" Farber died at age 96.

Farber, professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Dakota, is well-known to many in the state as a mentor to students and a pillar of the state's political history.

"It is difficult to exaggerate the extent to which Doc Farber advanced the cause of better government through his encouragement of public service, to contribute something in a meaningful way, whether on the highest levels of the state and national governments or in the smallest South Dakota communities," wrote Dick Brown, former state legislator and friend of Farber, in the late professor's obituary.

Born and reared in Illinois, Farber began his career at USD in 1935 and was chairman of the university's political science department for 38 years. He always encouraged students to enter public service.

"He was a catalyst for our lives," Brown said.

Brown and other notable South Dakota natives Tom Brokaw, Pat O'Brien and former U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler were some of the professor's protégés, known as the "Farber Boys."

His influence helped produce six Rhodes scholars who studied under him, including Pressler. Pressler on Saturday shared a recent letter he wrote to Farber thanking him for his guidance.

Be sure to read the whole thing.  It seems like it would be hard to overstate Farber's positive impact on South Dakota.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.