Elected leaders in Georgia are in mourning after one of their widely respected colleagues passed away.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, a former Republican state legislator, died on Sunday at the age of 59, according to the Associated Press.

Thompson's death comes roughly eight months after he revealed that he'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but said at the time, "I can assure you I will continue to be who I have always been -- a fighter. From the start, my life has been full of what seem like insurmountable challenges, but I’ve never given up and this farm boy from Montana doesn’t intend to start now."

Beloved by those who worked with him

According to a tribute posted by the Georgia Department of Labor, Commissioner Thompson was born and raised on a Montana farm, became a business owner and entrepreneur by age 10, and served in the U.S. Army National Guard when he became an adult.

The department said Thompson was "a visionary leader, devoted mentor, and dedicated public servant. While his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence will be deeply missed, Commissioner Thompson's greatest legacy lies in his ability to foster a culture of family and belonging for those who worked alongside him."

He was further described as having a "passion for problem-solving" while his focus as commissioner was on "transparency, responsiveness, and fiscal responsibility -- values he championed with his trademark determination and integrity."

"Bruce's leadership was rooted in a profound belief: no person is too small, no challenge is too great, and no cause is too far gone," the department added. "With the spirit of a fighter but the compassion required of a strong faith, Bruce was known as a mentor to many in the business community and political arena."

Businessman, community leader, and elected politician

According to local Fox affiliate WAGA, Thompson moved from Montana to Georgia in 1990 and quickly established himself as a community leader, which eventually led to a successful run for the Georgia State Senate in 2013.

After serving five terms as a state senator, Thompson was elected as Labor commissioner in 2022 and helped reform and restore the department that was still struggling from the impact of the pandemic, saving millions of dollars in taxpayer money along the way, per the AP.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Becky, and their two children, Max and Faith. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will appoint his successor at the Department of Labor to serve the remainder of his term that expires in 2027.

Fondly remembered by friends and colleagues

Gov. Kemp said in a statement that he and his family "are saddened by the passing of Commissioner Bruce Thompson and ask all Georgians to join us in praying for his wife, Becky, their children, and all those who knew and loved him during this difficult time."

"A successful business and respected leader of his community, Bruce was a passionate voice for what he believed in throughout his years of service to the people of Georgia," the governor added. "We are thankful for that commitment to our state and, like so many others, have been inspired by the strength and courage he showed over the past year in his fight against cancer. That bravery and determination, along with his impact on others, will not be forgotten."

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said he was "heartbroken" by the news of Thompson's passing but was glad he'd "had the honor of serving in the Senate with Bruce for several years and enjoyed getting to know him. He served his constituents well and always followed the word of the Lord."

The AP noted that despite his cancer, Thompson served as a Georgia delegate at the Republican National Convention and even delivered a speech on stage as a replacement for another scheduled speaker who couldn't make it. Per The Center Square, Georgia GOP Chairman Josh McKoon recalled, "Even then when I am sure he had to be tired he energetically fired up the crowd as he encouraged all of us to build a better America for our friends and neighbors."