The Iowa Judicial Branch lost one of its Justices Friday night to a sudden heart attack. Officials have confirmed 66-year old Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady died in Des Moines. In a statement, the Iowa Judicial Branch wrote “He was a wonderful individual and exceptional judge, respected and beloved by his fellow jurists. His passing is a great loss to the court and the state he so loyally served. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Becky and his family.” Cady and his wife have two children and four grandchildren. His family said in a statement also, “Tonight, the state lost a great man, husband, father, grandfather and jurist.”

Justice Cady was well known for his opinion in Varnum v. Brien, the ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in 2009. He also supported an increase of technology in the court system. His career started in 1978 when he was a law clerk in District 2. He spent years as an associate judge, district court judge, Iowa Court of Appeals judge before he became chief justice in 2011.

Cady was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Drake University. He spent more than 30 years as an adjunct faculty member at Buena Vista University and served as a member of its President’s Advisory Council.