COLUMBUS, Ohio – Lawmakers are now mourning the loss of distinguished three-decade lawmaker Kirk Schuring, who has died. He was 72 years old.

Schuring (R-Canton) had been a leader in the chamber, becoming speaker pro tempore — second in command.

“Kirk was a statesman,” Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said in a statement. “There is no better member of the General Assembly or better Ohioan to serve in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse. Kirk’s heart was in Ohio and it showed through his commitment, drive and integrity for the job that people elected him to this decade. after a decade.”

He had been working from home or the hospital for months while dealing with a health problem.

Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.

“Fran and I are saddened to learn of the passing of State Sen. Kirk Schuring,” DeWine said in a statement. “Kirk was a model legislator. Not only was he a fierce advocate for his constituents in Canton and Stark County, but he was also a legislator who did the hard work every day in committee and on the floor to get meaningful legislation passed. His legislative accomplishments were broad-based, encompassing economic development, helping small businesses thrive, enhancing school safety, and promoting public safety, particularly helping victims of crime. Fran and I extend our deepest condolences to Kirk’s wife, Darlene; his children; and his whole family.”

He was the second-longest serving member of parliament, sponsoring dozens of bills on economic policy, sports games and health care.

“I can’t imagine an Ohio without my friend Kirk Schuring!” former Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger said in a statement. “Kirk was the most loyal, caring and dedicated public servant. He was a man of principle and his wisdom was always sought. It has made me a better leader, legislator and person. Kirk was the deal negotiator and compromise maker. He knew how to tackle tough issues that others couldn’t, doing so for a better life for Ohioans. I will miss my friend, Kirk Schuring, and know that his faith carried him home. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Darlene and his family.”

He was very popular across the aisle.

“Senator Schuring’s passing is a tremendous loss to Ohio and the institution of the Ohio General Assembly,” said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood). “He was the epitome of what it means to be a statesman and a gentleman. Always willing to work on both sides of the aisle, he has supported a wide range of policies, from promoting economic development and jobs to filming tax credits and legislation in support of sexual assault survivors. He was someone who was always willing to work together for the betterment of Ohio with class, humor and grace. My condolences to his family and mourn the loss of a colleague and friend.”

Schuring graduated from Perry High School in Stark County and attended Kent State University.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senate President Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring,” said House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill)
said in a statement. “Kirk was a true statesman who dedicated himself to making Ohio a better place. His collaborative approach and ability to bring people together for the benefit of all will be deeply missed at the Statehouse. My sincere condolences to his wife, Darlene, his family and his friends.”

Other statements

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted:

“Tina and I would like to offer our condolences to Kirk Schuring’s family. Kirk loved Canton and was deeply committed to representing Stark County. People across the state turned to him to lead and pass legislation. I always enjoyed working with him and he will be missed.”

Senate Majority Leader Rob McColley (R-Napoleon):

“Kirk Schuring was a legislator’s legislator. He was known for tackling the toughest problems and no matter how complex or serious the problem, Kirk always found a solution. He has had an immeasurable impact on many legislators, including myself, who have benefited from his mentorship. Kirk’s focus on economic development paved the way for investments in his Stark County home and in Ohio that have improved the lives of many thanks to Kirk Schuring’s years of unparalleled service. My prayers go out to his family.”

Speaker Pro Tempore Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton):

“Today, I join my fellow Stark Countians and Ohioans in mourning the loss of a strong public servant and friend, Senator Kirk Schuring. Kirk loved serving the people of our community and state, and we are all better because of him. Kirk and I have been teammates for more than 30 years and I will miss him. My sincere condolences to Kirk’s wife Darlene, his children and the rest of his family and friends.”

House Majority Leader Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati):

“I join many of my colleagues today in mourning the passing of my great friend, Senator Kirk Schuring. We worked together on many high-profile issues during our years in the legislature together, most notably the finalization of Ohio’s sports betting laws. He was a legislative titan and his expertise will be sorely missed.”

Alex Triantafilou, chairman of the Republican Party of Ohio:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Ohio Senator Kirk Schuring. He is among the longest-serving legislators in Ohio history, and his legacy lives on in the work he has done to improve the lives of Ohioans. Ohio GOP mourn his loss and honor his service.”

Jane Timken, RNC Committeewoman for Ohio, based in Stark County:

“Stark County and Ohio mourn the loss of Sen. Kirk Schuring. A great man and public servant. We are forever grateful for all his work on behalf of Ohio. Rest in peace. Our prayers go out to his family.”

Sec of State Frank LaRose:

“Lauren and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Senator Kirk Schuring today. I have had the honor of serving with Kirk as a legislator, and his dedication to Ohio is unmatched. He had a deep sense of duty and patriotism and a calm, steady attitude that helped guide the General Assembly through high achievements and difficult days His colleagues turned to him when they needed a leader, and Ohio is grateful to him responded to call, senator.

Auditor Keith Faber:

“Kirk Schuring was a talented legislator and friend who loved his family, his constituents and all of Ohio. I was fortunate to serve with Kirk in both the House and Senate and witnessed his tenacity to make his district and Ohio better. A consummate legislator and statesman, he simply made Ohio better because of his service, and his compassion and experience will be missed in the legislature. We pray today for his passing family.”

State. Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware):

“He was a legislator in the Ohio General Assembly who was liked by everyone and was very effective on difficult issues. That was State Senator Kirk Schuring. He will be missed.”

The legislation passed

In 2007, a 5 On Your Side investigation revealed how pharmaceutical companies delayed participating in Ohio’s voluntary drug donation program for fear of potential liability and lawsuits. Our reporting determined a the new state law which strengthened liability protections following legislation introduced by Schuring, who was also responsible for creating and establishing the program in 2003.

Millions of dollars worth of life-saving drugs are being destroyed in Ohio rather than donated to a voluntary program

RELATED: Millions of dollars worth of life-saving drugs are being destroyed in Ohio rather than donated to a voluntary program

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