For much of the past seven years, Justice Tim Armstead served as a member of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

However, Armstead's time on the bench came to a tragic end this week when he passed away at the age of 60. 

Armstead was West Virginia's first GOP House speaker

According to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, the justice died on Tuesday at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown following a battle with cancer.

The Sentinel noted that Armstead was appointed to West Virginia's highest judicial body in 2018 by then-Republican Gov. Jim Justice following the resignation of former Justice Menis Ketchum.

Ketchum's departure came in the wake of allegations of financial impropriety and he subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

The Sentinel recalled how Armstead's appointment came not long after he made history by becoming the first Republican speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates in eight decades.

Chief justice says Armstead "was guided by Christian principles"

News of Armstead's passing was lamented by Chief Justice William R. "Bill" Wooton, who called him "a sterling example of the best of West Virginia."

"His abilities, talents and character were recognized by his colleagues, his neighbors, and his fellow West Virginians. His public service accomplishments pale in comparison in other areas of his life," Wooton declared.

The chief justice praised Armstead for being "a natural leader, who always led by example" as well as "an extremely hard worker" who "was guided by Christian principles."

"Without him ever saying anything, each of his Supreme Court colleagues looked to Tim’s example on thorny ethical issues," Wooton stressed.

"Likewise, his knowledge of state finances has been an invaluable resource to the West Virginia judicial system," the jurist went on to add.

Current House speaker calls Armstead "a loving husband, father and grandfather"

Condolences were also voiced by Armstead former fellow lawmakers, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, who said, "West Virginia lost a very special person today, and I lost another wonderful friend."

"Justice Tim Armstead was the very embodiment of the word gentleman," Hanshaw declared. "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."

"He was a legislator, Speaker of the House and a Supreme Court Justice, but much more than that, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Tim Armstead was my friend, my mentor and a trusted confidant. I will miss him deeply," Hanshaw concluded.