Ohio, Stark County Leaders Remember State Senator Kirk Schuring

(This story will be updated with new information.)

Ohio and Stark County leaders remember State Senator Kirk Schuringwho died at the age of 72.

Schuring, a Republican from Jackson Township, was the second-longest serving member of the state Legislature. He also never lost an election to the State House or Senate.

Frank LaRose: “He had a deep sense of duty and patriotism”

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose posted a tribute to Schuring on social media, saying, “He had a deep sense of duty and patriotism and a calm, level-headed demeanor that carried the General Assembly through high achievements and difficult days.”

Jon Husted: “Kirk loved Canton and was deeply committed to representing Stark County.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted praised Schuring on social media.

“Kirk loved Canton and was deeply interested in representing Stark County,” he wrote. “People all over the state have been asking him to lead and pass laws. I always enjoyed working with him and will miss him.”

Kyle Koehler: Kirk Schuring was an incredible veteran legislator

Former state Rep. Kevin Koehler, who represented Clark, Greene and Clinton counties, shared the story of how Schuring helped him when he was a first-time legislator.

“Kirk Schuring was an incredible seasoned politician who could treat me like the greenhorn I was while trying to pass payday lending reform in 2018,” he wrote on Facebook. “He didn’t do that… I wanted to sit at the table and treat people the way he treated me.”

Thomas West: “Kirk was a great legislator and an even better man.”

Former state Rep. and Greater Stark County Urban League President Thomas West, a Democrat, said Schuring’s death is a significant loss to the community.

“Kirk was an outstanding legislator and an even better person,” he wrote on Facebook. “…Although Kirk and I often stood on opposite sides of the aisle, we worked harmoniously together for the good of our district. I will greatly miss his determination to solve difficult problems and the thoughtful conversations we had, often over meals at Jimmy’s. Against.”

U.S. Rep. Amelia Sykes, D-Akron: “His principled approach to legislation has earned him great respect.”

“Kirk Schuring was a dedicated legislator, public servant, family man and advocate for Stark County,” said U.S. Rep. Amelia Sykes, D-Akron. “Kirk was a pleasure to serve with and was known as a trusted leader who found a way to work as equals and support his constituents every day.

“His principled approach to legislation earned him great respect, and I will always remember his efforts in helping me pass HB 1 to protect victims in abusive relationships. Countless Ohioans benefited from his service, and his presence will be missed. “I offer my sincere condolences to his wife Darlene and his children and grandchildren.”

Former Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger: ‘I Can’t Imagine Ohio Without My Friend Kirk Schuring’

“I can’t imagine Ohio without my friend Kirk Schuring!” said former Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger. “Kirk was a most dedicated, caring and dedicated public servant. He was a man of principle, and his wisdom was always sought after. He has made me a better leader, legislator and person.

“Kirk was a deal negotiator and a compromiser. He knew how to solve complex problems that others could not solve, while doing it to improve the lives of Ohioans. I will miss my friend Kirk Schuring and know that his faith has benefited his home. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Darlene and his family.”

State Sen. Stephanie Kunze, R-Hilliard: “Truly a statesman and beloved friend”

“Senator Schuring has been one of my dearest and most trusted mentors,” said State Sen. Stephanie Kunze, R-Hilliard. “Our offices were next to each other when I was a freshman MP in the House of Representatives. I was honored to nominate his name for President Pro Temps in the Senate. Truly a statesman and beloved friend.”

Sen. Rob McCauley, R-Napoleon: “Kirk Schuring was a legislator’s legislator.”

“Kirk Schuring was a legislator’s legislator,” said Sen. Rob McCauley, R-Napoleon, who is the Senate president-elect. “He was known for taking on the toughest problems, and no matter how complex or weighty the issue, 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 at his home in Stark County and throughout Ohio that improved the lives of many people. There is no doubt that Ohio is a better place thanks to Kirk Schuring’s unmatched years of work. I’m praying for his family.”

Senate Minority Leader Niki Antonio, D-Lakewood: ‘A huge loss for Ohio’

“The passing of Senator and President pro tempore Kirk Schuring is a tremendous loss for the state of Ohio and the Ohio General Assembly,” said Senate Minority Leader Nicky Antonio, D-Lakewood. “A true statesman and gentleman. Personally, I am mourning the loss of a good friend.”

“Senator Schuring’s passing is a tremendous loss for the state of Ohio and the Ohio General Assembly,” he added. “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 championed a wide range of policies, from promoting economic development and job creation to filming tax breaks and legislation to support victims of sexual assault. He was a man who was always willing to work together for the good of Ohio with class, humor and grace. “I offer my condolences to his family and mourn the loss of a colleague and friend.”

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou: “His legacy lives on in the work he did to improve the lives of Ohioans.”

“Saddened to learn of the passing of Ohio Senator Kirk Schuring,” said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou. “He is among the longest-serving legislators in Ohio history, and his legacy lives on in the work he did to improve the lives of Ohioans. The Ohio Republican Party mourns his loss and honors his service.”

Former Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina: ‘Ohio has lost a true statesman’

“Ohio has lost a true statesman and one of the hardest working people I have ever known,” said former Ohio Senate President Larry Obhoff, R-Medina. “No matter the issue, if it was difficult, controversial or required more process and possible compromise, it ended up on Kirk Schuring’s desk.

“Kirk was in politics for all the right reasons. He cared about his community. He wanted a better Ohio for the people he served. He rolled up his sleeves and worked every day to make this vision a reality. God bless you, my friend.”

Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber, former Senate President: “I…witnessed his tenacity to make his district and Ohio a better place.”

“Kirk Schuring was a gifted legislator and friend who loved his family, his constituents and all of Ohio,” said Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, a former Senate president. “I have been fortunate to work with Kirk in both the House and Senate and have witnessed his tenacity to make his district and Ohio a better place. An unsurpassed legislator and statesman, he simply got things done.

“Ohio is a better place because of his service, and his compassion and experience will be missed in the Legislature. Today we pray for his family and mourn his passing.”

Stark County Recorder Jamie Walters: ‘Kirk was our favorite’

“It was well known throughout Stark County that if help was needed in Columbus, Kirk would be our go-to person…always available, always willing to do anything,” Stark County Recorder Jamie Walters wrote on Facebook.

He noted that people praise Schuring’s legislative skills. “But more importantly, Kirk was a devoted husband and father,” he wrote. “He was a friend to many. Kirk was a role model in public service for me and many others.”

Sen. Bill Blessing, R-Colerain Township: “Ohio lost a great man and a great legislator today.”

“Ohio lost a great man and a great legislator today,” said state Sen. Bill Blessing, a Colerain Republican. “In a world where politicians are maligned, Senator Schuring did the hard things quietly and without gratitude. It is impossible to count how many crises were avoided thanks to his work and mentoring of an entire generation of legislators. Although Senator Schuring will be missed as an institution, I mourn the loss of a friend and colleague.”

Perry Township: “His passion for Perry Township will long be remembered.”

Perry County government took a moment to list some of Schuring’s honors over the years.

“Senator Schuring’s dedication to the people of Ohio has earned him numerous accolades,” township officials wrote on Facebook. “He was named Legislator of the Year by AMVETS Business of the National Federation of Independent Business and received the Legislative Award from the Justice League of Ohio, the Friend of Higher Education Award from the Ohio Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Friend of Higher Education Award from the Association of Independent Colleges and Ohio universities. Voice of Justice Award from the Ohio Legal Aid Foundation. He was also a Heritage Award recipient for his work in creating the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Act in Ohio.

“Senator Schuring is a lifelong resident of Stark County, graduating from Perry High School and attending Kent State University. His lifelong commitment to serving the people of Ohio, especially his passion for Perry Township, will long be remembered. Please keep Senator Schuring’s family in your thoughts. your thoughts.”