“He set an example of honesty, integrity, faith and service that was second to none. He was an example of leadership with grace, a man who had a deep faith in God, and loved his family with all of his heart.”

Those words from State Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, must be close to what leapt to many West Virginians’ minds when they learned of the passing of State Supreme Court of Appeals Justice Tim Armstead Tuesday.

Armstead was a state legislator for 20 years — minority leader from 2007 to 2014 and then Speaker of the House for four years as he very capably led Republicans who were trying to figure out how to govern in what was then unfamiliar territory in the Mountain State.

As an elected justice to the state Supreme Court for the past nearly seven years he had served admirably while focusing particularly on family treatment courts and fiscal responsibility in the court system.

“Justice Tim Armstead was the very embodiment of the word gentleman,” said House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. “He was kind, thoughtful, smart, encouraging and deeply committed to his family, his faith and his state. He accomplished more than one lifetime’s worth in his short time here.”

Further, Hanshaw said “Tim Armstead set an example of servant leadership that should inspire not just every public official, but every person.”

Armstead was intelligent, compassionate and ethical. He did not make decisions or take stances lightly. Even those who disagreed with him understood it was worth listening to — and considering — his thoughts on a matter purely because of the person he was.

Those in West Virginia who are mourning his passing this week know they have lost a principled advisor and a good friend.

“I will miss that no matter whatever else I encountered in my career, I could always take comfort knowing there was a man at the highest levels of service to our society who was guided by nothing more than a sincere desire to do the right thing,” Hanshaw said.

West Virginians’ hearts ache for Armstead’s family as they face their loss.

They, and we, have lost not just a truly remarkable public servant but a remarkable good man.