Washington (CNN) The news of former Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell's death shook the political world Thursday night as memorials poured in from political leaders spanning his decades as the House's longest-serving member.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Dingell "one of the finest public servants in American history."

"There are few major legislative triumphs since 1955 that John didn't have a key hand in passing," the Clintons said in a statement, pointing to Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"His respect for his constituents, his colleagues of both parties, and the institutions of Congress are a valuable reminder today of what a noble calling public service can be," the Clintons wrote.

Former President Barack Obama mourned Dingell, calling him proof that change "does not always come with a flash, but instead with steady, determined effort."

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