According to a press release from the Orrin Hatch Foundation, former Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch has died at age 88. He was surrounded by his family as he passed.

Hatch was one of the most respected people in the Senate during his term. He was the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the longest-serving Senator in Utah history, serving from 1977-2019 — 42 years.

He served during the administrations of seven Presidents—four Republicans and three Democrats—and alongside nine Senate Majority Leaders—four Democrats and five Republicans. At the end of his term in January 2019, Senator Hatch was the ninth-longest-serving US Senator in American history.

Upon his retirement, Senator Hatch held the distinction of having passed more legislation into law than any other Senator alive. Through his relentless work ethic, Hatch earned a reputation as one of the most effective and bipartisan lawmakers of all time. In total, he sponsored or cosponsored more than 750 bills that became law.

“Senator Orrin G. Hatch personified the American Dream,” Matt Sandgren, the Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation said.

“Born the son of a carpenter and plaster lather, he overcame the poverty of his youth to become a United States Senator. With the hardships of his upbringing always fresh in his mind, he made it his life’s mission to expand freedom and opportunity for others—and the results speak for themselves.

From tax and trade to religious liberty and healthcare, few legislators have had a greater impact on American life than Orrin Hatch. He was a profoundly positive influence in the lives of those he served, whether they were the constituents he helped over four decades of casework, the hundreds of interns he sponsored in both Utah and DC, or the robust network of Hatch staffers who carry on his legacy to this day.

Senator Hatch touched the hearts of countless individuals, and I know I speak for all of them when I say he will be dearly missed.”

One of the things he was most known for was his humor. And even during his final year in office, he managed to antagonize some radical protesters on the left by giving them a little truth.

You know the Left has hit crazed conniption critical mass when SAVAGE Senator #OrrinHatch is pushed to his #ByeFelicia breaking point😂🤣#ConfirmKavanaugh#VoteYes#GrowUp& #VoteRedToSaveAmericapic.twitter.com/9B6A5lZdzW

— DrConservaMom🇺🇸 (@ConservaMomUSA) October 5, 2018

RIP, sir. A life well lived, and condolences to your family. Thank you for all your hard work and your good humor.