It was the Ventura County 4-H program that led the late Stephen “Steve” Clement to study entomology and to enroll at UC Davis.
Clement, an internationally recognized entomologist, UC Davis triple-alumnus, Vietnam War hero, and a 30-year USDA-ARS research entomologist last based at Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, died May 4, 2026 at age 81 of pancreatic cancer.
He specialized in agricultural entomology, insect ecology, aquatic entomology, plant pathology, and plant ecology, was internationally known for his research in biological weed control, host-plant resistance, development of sustainable cropping systems, and conservation and use of plant and microbial germplasm for global agriculture.
I first met Clement at a UC Davis entomology alumni reunion in 2019. He emailed me shortly after to note that “My association with UC Davis began in 1958 when I came to the campus for a 4-H conference. I was a 4-H All-Star from Ventura County. I was able to graduate with a B.S. entomology degree in June 1967 with the help of Dr. R. M. Bohart. He supported my application for a 2-S deferment to the Ventura County draft board.”
Clement received all three of his degrees in entomology from UC Davis: his bachelor’s degree in 1967, working with Richard Bohart (1913-2007); his master’s degree in 1972, studying pollination biology and insect behavior with major professor Robbin Thorp (1933-2019); and his doctorate in 1976, studying rice pest management and applied ecology with major professor Al Grigarick. His dissertation: "A Structural and Phenological Analysis of the Chironomid Community of California Rice Fields: Implications to Injury of Rice Plant Seedlings."
During his career as a USDA-ARS research entomologist from 1981 to 2011, Clement worked in Albany, Calif.; Rome, Italy; and Pullman, Wash. He was based at WSU from 1986 to 2011 as a research entomologist and lead scientist in the Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research Unit. He also served as an adjunct scientist at WSU and an affiliate professor at the University of Idaho. Following his retirement, he worked as an independent agricultural consultant.
“He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, scientist, veteran, mentor, and friend whose life was defined by curiosity, service, humor, and enduring relationships. Over the course of eight decades, Steve built a life that stretched from California to Vietnam, Yellowstone, Ohio, Rome and ultimately Pullman, Wash., where he and his family built a lasting home and community," his family and friends wrote in an obituary published by Corbeill Funeral Homes, Pullman.
Steve used to say that I went from WSU (my alma mater) to UC Davis, and he went from UC Davis (his alma mater) to WSU. We were both active in the 4-H program: head, heart, hands and health...We both liked bugs! And his wife, the former Mary Ann Lindeman, grew up near our home in Vacaville. A world of connections...
"4-H was very important to me as a youngster growing up in a rural area of southern California," Steve wrote in an email. "I was awarded two college scholarships through my involvement in 4-H." Yours truly won one 4-H college scholarship.
Steve expressed amazement that I am a Coug (WSU). In his last email, he wrote, "best wishes and please remember:
- Bossy Cow-Cow
- Honey Bee-Bee
- Oleo Margarine
- Oleo Butter
- Alfalfa Hay!
- Go, Cougs!
His journey from UC Davis to WSU encompassed 813 miles, from "Go, Aggies!" to "Go, Cougs!" (And several stops in between).
His major professor, Al Grigarick and fellow classmates wrote tributes to him on our UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology (ENT-NEM) website.
"Steve was one of my brightest graduate students and a good friend," wrote Grigarick, now 98. "I will miss his positive outlook on life and good humor." (Grigarick, too, has a postive outlook on life and good humor. See interview of Grigarick in this 2001 Aggie Video)
Grigarick also taught Frank Zalom, now UC Davis Distinguished Professor (on recall). Clement and Zalom each achieved the title of Honorary Member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), the organization's highest honor, and Zalom served as ESA president.
One of the most heartfelt tributes on our ENT-NEM website came from UC Davis doctoral alumnus Kenneth Yeargan, professor of entomology, University of Kentucky, who received his doctorate in entomology from UC Davis in 1974:
"Steve," he wrote, "was one of the best human beings that I have known, period."
Cover image: Steve Clement (center) talks to Sandy Purcell (right) and Eric Grissell at the 2019 UC Davis Entomology Alumni Reunion. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)