Georgia House members paid tribute Friday to former state Rep. Harry Geisinger, who died after a long bout with leukemia last year.

Geisinger's wife, Pat, and other family members were in the House for the tribute resolution to the Roswell Republican who was a longtime advocate for horse racing in Georgia.

“He exhibited so many qualities in a public servant: reasonableness, integrity, respectability,” House Speaker David Ralston said. “He loved serving in this House. He was a true gentlemen.”

Geisinger, who represented Roswell, was first elected to the House in 1968. He died May 1, after the legislative session ended last year.

Geisinger's longtime friend, state Rep. Tom Taylor, R- Dunwoody, called Geisinger a renaissance man. In addition to his works in politics, Geisinger was a war veteran, began an advertising business and worked in pharmacy sales and coal brokerage. House Resolution 1071 also mentions Geisinger's work in developing a competitive two-party political system in the state.

“Harry was a great husband, father, friend and epitome of a true Christian,” Taylor said.

Pat Geisinger thanked Ralston and his staff for their help after her husband’s death, and she thanked his House colleagues for the resolution.

“He loved every minute he was here,” she said.

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