COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lawmakers are now mourning the loss of Kirk Schuring, the distinguished three-decade-long serving legislator, who has died. He was 72 years old.
Schuring (R-Canton) had been a leader in the chamber, serving as president pro tempore — the second in command.
"Kirk was a statesman," Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said in a statement. "There is no finer member of the General Assembly or finer Ohioan who served in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse. Kirk's heart was in Ohio, and it showed with his commitment, drive, and integrity for the job the people elected him to do decade after decade."
He had been working from home or a hospital for months while he dealt with a health issue.
Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered the flags to be lowered in his honor.
“Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of State Senator 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 also was 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 prosper, enhancing school safety, and promoting public safety, especially helping victims of crime. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Kirk’s wife, Darlene; his children; and his entire family.”
He was the second longest-serving lawmaker, sponsoring dozens of bills on economic policy, sports gaming and healthcare.
“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. He made me a better leader, legislator and person. Kirk was the negotiator of deals and the maker of compromise. He knew how to take on hard issues that others couldn’t, doing so to better Ohioans lives. I will miss my friend, Kirk Schuring, and know his faith has carried him home. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Darlene and his family.”
He was well-liked across the aisle.
“The passing of Senator Schuring is a huge loss for Ohio and the institution of the Ohio General Assembly,” Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said. “He was the epitome of what it means to be a statesman and gentleman. Always willing to work on both sides of the aisle, he championed a broad range of policies from the advancement of economic development and jobs to film tax credits and legislation in support of sexual assault survivors. He was someone who was always willing to work together toward the betterment of Ohio with class, humor, and grace. I send my condolences to his family and mourn the loss of a colleague and a 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," House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill)
said in a statement. "Kirk was a true statesman, who was dedicated 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. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife, Darlene, his family, and his friends.”
Other statements
Lieutenant Gov. Jon Husted:
"Tina and I want to offer our condolences to the family of Kirk Schuring. Kirk loved Canton & 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 & he will be missed."
Senate Majority Floor Leader Rob McColley (R-Napoleon):
"Kirk Schuring was a legislator’s legislator. He was known for taking on the toughest issues and no matter how complex or weighty the issue, Kirk always found a solution. He had an immeasurable impact on many legislators, including myself, who benefited from his mentorship. Kirk’s focus on economic development paved the way for investments in his home of Stark County and across Ohio that have improved the lives of many. There is no doubt that Ohio is a better place due to Kirk Schuring’s unrivaled years of 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 dearly. I extend my sincere condolences to Kirk’s wife, Darlene, his children, and the rest of his family and friends.”
House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati):
"I join my many colleagues today in mourning the passing of my great friend, Senator Kirk Schuring. We worked together on numerous high profile issues over our years in the legislature together, most notably including 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 Ohio Republican Party:
"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 did to improve the lives of Ohioans. The Ohio GOP mourns his loss and honors his service."
Jane Timken, RNC Committeewoman for Ohio based out of Stark County:
"Stark County & Ohio mourn the loss of Sen. Kirk Schuring. A great man & public servant. We are forever grateful for all his work on behalf of Ohio. Rest in peace. Praying for his family."
Sec. of State Frank LaRose:
"Lauren and I send our deepest condolences today to the family of Senator Kirk Schuring. I had the honor of serving with Kirk as a legislator, and his dedication to Ohio is unmatched. He had a profound sense of duty and patriotism and a calm, steady demeanor 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 he answered the call. Godspeed, Senator."
Auditor Keith Faber:
"Kirk Schuring was a gifted 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 got things done. Ohio is better because of his service, and his compassion and experience will be missed in the legislature. We are praying for his family today as we mourn his passing."
State. Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware):
"There was one legislator in the Ohio General Assembly who was liked by everyone and was very effective on tough issues. That was State Senator Kirk Schuring. He will be missed."
Legislation passed
In 2007, a 5 On Your Side investigation revealed how pharmaceutical companies were slow to participate in Ohio's voluntary drug donation program for fear of potential liability and lawsuits. Our reporting prompted a new state law that strengthened liability protections following legislation introduced by Schuring, who was also responsible for creating and establishing the program in 2003.
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