Remembering former Governor George Sinner

North Dakota's last Democratic governor George Sinner passed away Friday night, and officials across the state have been giving their thoughts about the man he was.

Former Governor Sinner passed away at the age of 89. He died at Eventide Senior Living Center in Fargo.

North Dakota's senators have both released statements on the passing of Former Governor Sinner.

"George Sinner was a giant of North Dakota politics," said senator Heidi Heitkamp. "His love of the land and compassion for its people was evident in all aspects of his professional and personal life."

Senator John Hoeven says "George's experience helped guide our state and agriculture industry through difficult times during his tenure as governor."

"The macro economists that say the liquidation of family farms is inevitable, have not seen the faces of the families who are going under. I have seen those faces." said Gov. Sinner.

Governor Sinner held office from 1985 until 1992, and left quite an impression on those he worked with.

"He was like a second father to me. He liked to tell jokes and hear jokes. Just such an incredibly decent man," said Richard Gross, Legal Counsel during the administration.

Gross shared his favorite joke told to him by Sinner.

"They say all of the great men are dying and I'm not feeling so well myself."

Funeral plans are still pending for the former governor.

Full copies of the statements from the Senators and the Dem-NPL party are below.

Hoeven: “George Sinner demonstrated time and again his commitment to his family, community and the State of North Dakota. This commitment was evident by his service as governor of North Dakota as well as his involvement in and leadership of many organizations, civic boards, groups and entities including the State Board of Higher Education and the North Dakota State Legislature.

“George’s experience helped guide our state and agriculture industry through difficult times during his tenure as governor. He also oversaw the celebration of our centennial and the deployment of the North Dakota National Guard to Operation Desert Storm. He was devoted to his wife Jane and their family, instilling in them the same commitment to public service he exemplified. Mikey and I extend our condolences to the Sinner family.”

Heitkamp: "George Sinner was a giant of North Dakota politics,” said Heitkamp. “His love of the land and compassion for its people was evident in all aspects of his professional and personal life. He never forgot the lessons of his rural upbringing, and his experiences with agriculture -- particularly sugar beets -- which carefully informed his policymaking and cultivated his relentless work ethic. As governor, George was passionate, but never partisan, and his mentorship inspired and prompted me to begin my own career in public service. George’s legacy can be found across the fields and township roads of North Dakota, but also in the devoted family he leaves behind, who carry on his lifelong commitment to community. My thoughts are with Jane and his family this evening. Our state owes a great debt to George for his selfless leadership of our state.”

DEM-NPL: "From his rural upbringing, to his towering leadership as North Dakota’s 29th governor, George A. Sinner’s legacy of public service and dedication to our state will forever endure as part of our shared history. His commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors and the well being of our communities – and his insistence on always putting people before partisanship – remains a model for all to follow, in public service and in life. Thank you for your service, Governor. Rest well."