Rest in Peace Speaker William G. Batchelder (1942-2022)

A statement from Ashbrook Executive Director Jeff Sikkenga and Board President Marv Krinsky on the passing of Speaker William G. Batchelder.

The Board, staff, and entire Ashbrook Center community mourn the loss and celebrate the life and legacy of emeritus Ashbrook Board member William G. Batchelder III, who passed away on February 12. “Batch” was a giant of Ohio public life, serving in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1969-98 and 2007-14, including three years as Speaker of the House. He also served as a judge on the Medina County Court of Common Pleas and on Ohio’s Ninth District Court of Appeals. Throughout his public career, Bill was a stalwart defender of individual liberty, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and limited, constitutional government. He also believed deeply in the importance of an educated citizenry. 

Bill served on the Ashbrook Board of Advisors for almost 15 years and then as an emeritus Board member. His strong sense of purpose and keen judgment were a great help in advancing Ashbrook’s mission to educate students, teachers, and citizens in the history and Founding principles of America. In 2014, Bill received the Center’s highest award, the John M. Ashbrook Award. As the Award citation says, Bill embodied the qualities of “integrity of thought and conduct; the knowledge of what is right and a determination to do right… a firm dedication to principles; and the conviction that politics must be based upon sound doctrine and noble objectives and not merely on winning elections.”

Bill was a patriot and man of principle who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those dedicated to the cause of freedom.