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Relationships help Clearwater succeed in Capitol

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ryan Clearwater has a large brass tiger in his office. The tiger is heavy as expected and at first glance, connects to the nearby framed diploma from the University of Missouri. However, the tiger is not exactly a symbol of Mizzou pride but payment for his own generosity in assisting others.

He received the tiger as a gift after generously complimenting the tchotchke belonging to a friend’s grandmother who was moving. He tried to turn it down, but she insisted and now the metal beast sits in his office.

It should have been a hint that Clearwater would be a selfless servant of the public when he joined Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at Mizzou. He was commissioned as an officer in college, while studying political science with a minor in military science.

Clearwater, legislator assistant (LA) to Rep. Paul Curtman, R-Pacific, has been involved in politics since 2010, when he was a regional manger for the Missouri Republican Party. From phone banks, Clearwater joined former Rep. Casey Guernsey, R-Bethany, in the Capitol, where he worked until 2014.

Clearwater playing rugby
Clearwater playing rugby

Clearwater went on to work for the Missouri Cattleman’s Association as a membership manager before returning to the Capitol to assist Curtman.

Helping others is what Clearwater says drove him into politics, but outside of his profession, he has a proclivity for an uncommon sport on the upswing in the United States.

“I honestly enjoy helping people,” Clearwater said. “Outside of making sure Missourians are taken care of, rugby is my passion outside of that.”

He started playing rugby around the same time he arrived at the House.

“A friend of mine who thought that I have the right attitude rugby needs approached me about it,” he said. “I enjoy athletics, so I went out and tried it. It’s been a very rewarding sport for me.”

The friends started a team in Columbia, where Clearwater grew up. (“Boone, baby, born and raised,” he says). The rugby sevens team, which plays with seven men per team and involves more running than the traditional fifteen-man “rugby fifteens,” has agreements with the city to use facilities and this past year. They placed third at the Show Me Games.

Clearwater with his sister, Lindsey
Clearwater with his sister, Lindsey

His Columbia roots fostered his desire to serve others. His sister requires special needs, and his parents started a daycare during his childhood, which they later sold. He was featured in a book about families with members with special needs as a child. The exposure through his family gave him a broader perspective and Clearwater credits his sister for his enhanced compassion.

“It’s interesting to see how different people need help from time to time,” Clearwater said. “That’s really what got me into politics. I think a lot of that comes down to having to care for my sister and having to share my parents with other kids. I saw how different families are with themselves or others. Everyone needs help from time to time.”

Clearwater with friend
Clearwater, left, with friend

Clearwater said he’s always seen himself as wanting to help others and wouldn’t mind ultimately ending up in a nonprofit or philanthropic organization. For now, though, former employers view him as being loyal to the end.

“He’s loyal to a cause and if he likes the person in charge he would follow him off a cliff,” said Guernsey. “Curtman has a bright future, so I’d bet he stays with him a long while.”

The LA said that no matter where he is in 5, 10 years, he will be happy as long as he is helping others.

“All in all, as long as I’m helping people, I’m going to be happy in whatever fashion that is,” said Clearwater. “Everyone wants to see change, but not everyone takes an active step.”

Beyond loyal, he’s viewed as reliable, passionate, and trustworthy.

“He’s one of only a few people I would trust implicitly,” said Guernsey.

 

PHOTOS/RYAN CLEARWATER