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.
It was a quiet day at the Ohio Statehouse Friday — and a leader's seat will remain empty.
"Ohio has lost its most effective advocate in the state legislature," former Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger said.
Schuring (R-Canton) had been working from home or a hospital for months while he dealt with a health issue.
Rosenberger, the lawmaker's close friend, tearfully reflected on the more than three decades Schuring spent representing Stark County.
"He always looked for the opportunity to do something to strengthen his town, whether it was economic development or the Football Hall of Fame, or whether it was something as simple as helping a local family out up there — he was there to do that," the former speaker said.
Schuring spent his life in Northeast Ohio, having graduated from Perry High School in Stark County and attended Kent State University. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Schuring had been a leader in both chambers, serving as the speaker pro tempore for Rosenberger and president pro tempore for Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima). He was the second longest-serving lawmaker in the state.
"Kirk was a statesman," Huffman 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."
Schuring was the policy guy, passing dozens of bills to help the economy, update the health care system and protect survivors of sexual assault. And he worked across the aisle.
"He was such a visionary when it came to seeing the broad spectrum of an issue," Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said. "As a Democrat, I could talk to him about [issues], and I knew that he would go to his caucus and bring some of those ideas of ours into the conversation."
His bipartisan legislation helped make Ohio a better place to live, Antonio continued.
"He was a true statesperson, a legislator who is really committed to making the most of the opportunity that we as individuals have to work together on behalf of all the people of the state of Ohio," she said.
She will miss his dry sense of humor, chivalry and ability to unify lawmakers.
"The state of Ohio is better, definitely better, for him having served here," the Democrat said.
It's not just lawmakers who praise him. He had won plenty of awards from nonpartisan groups — such as veterans, educators and children’s advocates.
"You'll never fill the role or the shoes that Kirk Schuring left behind," Rosenberger said.
And while his chair will stay empty, Schuring’s legacy lives on.
Statements
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.”
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."
House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill):
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senate President Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring. 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.”
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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