These Quotes Show How Respected Scalia Was

On Saturday, United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died at the age of 79, according to reports, while staying at a resort in West Texas. According to The New York Times, he was the "the longest serving member of the current court" following the 2010 retirement of Justice John Paul Steven. His death has left many shocked, with notable politicians, journalists, and more expressing their condolences to Scalia's family and friends.

According to Biography, Scalia had a long career in law even before he joined the Supreme Court, attending both Georgetown University and Harvard Law School, working at a law firm, and teaching at the University of Virginia Law School, and more before he eventually joined the Supreme Court in 1986. As the website states, he "was considered to be one of the more prominent legal thinkers of his generation."

Many powerful quotes about Scalia certainly prove that to be true. Whether or not one agreed with his politics, it can't be denied that he has been a legendary figure in American history who won't soon be forgotten.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released the following statement reflecting on Scalia's life after news of his death broke.

According to Talking Points Memo, George W. Bush said of the late Justice:

"He was a towering figure and important judge on our Nation's highest court. He brought intellect, good judgment, and wit to the bench, and he will be missed by his colleagues and our country."

The Dallas Morning News reports that Chief Justice John Roberts said:

“He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the Court and the country he so loyally served.”

Former Congresswoman Michelle Bachman said:

Conservative presidential candidate Ted Cruz was quick to weigh in about Scalia:

Fellow Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, despite their polar opposite views, was a close friend of Scalia's:

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan released a statement:

The Editor in Chief of the Daily Beast had this to say:

CNN reports that George HW Bush called him a "personal hero":

Larry King shared his thoughts:

And perhaps the most notable response came from Jim Obergefell, a gay right's icon and activist:

They two couldn't have disagreed more, yet respect reigns. Rest in peace, Scalia.