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N.D. (AP) – William Guy, one of North Dakota’s longest serving governors, died Friday morning at the age of 93.

The death was confirmed Friday afternoon by former Sen. Kent Conrad, who had spoken with family members. Conrad said Guy was a “giant,” and all who served in office stood on his shoulders. He told The Associated Press that Guy was a remarkable leader with a vision of developing North Dakota, and he never wavered in pursuit of that.

North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp said, “My thoughts and prayers are with Jean and all of Bill’s family and friends. Bill Guy was a giant in North Dakota. As Governor, Bill worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all North Dakotans. Because of his competence and professionalism, he brought dignity to North Dakota politics and was respected by folks on both sides of the aisle.

The Bismarck Tribune reported that Guy helped shape the Democratic-Non Partisan League, which formed in 1956 in a state largely dominated by Republican politics. He said in 2004 that he saw entering politics as an opportunity to change North Dakota’s thinking toward national politics.