Clem was born in Ingham and educated at Thornburg College, Charters Towers. In 1940, he enlisted in the R.A.A.F. and survived four and a half years as a pilot, completing two tours in the Pacific theatre. In November 1946, he set up business in Nambour as an accountant, retiring 27 years later. He joined Rotary in Nambour in 1949 as the club's charter secretar, and from 1978 to 1979 he served as Rotary's world president. He conceived and during this year launched the Health, Hunger and Humanity program, from which he grew the PolioPlus program, with its target to rid the world of polio by the end of the year. His community interests have included: Sundale Village treasurer for 26 years, and Rotary Garden Village (founding Chairman), Legacy (15 years), International House, UQ - Deputy Chairman or Treasurer (25 years), Lifeline Sunshine Coast - Treasurer and Chairman, and now Patron, Trustee and committee member National Seniors Foundation. In 1979 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia and knighted in 1988 for service to the community.