Here's how some of Sen. Craig Thomas' colleagues, friends and associates reacted to news of his death Monday night. To leave your own thoughts, please scroll down to the bottom of this story.

"I am so stunned. The Senate will not be the same. Craig was the core of our delegation. He was a fierce advocate for Wyoming… He was my senior senator, a confidant, mentor and friend. Diana and I were made to feel a part of Craig and Susan's family. My prayers go out to Susan and their family through these difficult times. I will miss him."

- Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo

"Wyoming has lost a true statesman tonight. Craig Thomas was a mentor to many, a public servant to all, and a loyal friend to me… He has been a trusted colleague and a true friend."

- Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo.

"He carried the values that we treasure in Wyoming to Washington and had many successes."

- Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal

"It's a sad time for Wyoming, because Craig was someone who worked hard for the interests of the people of Wyoming. Those interests represented his primary concerns, and I don't think he ever left that mission. He was a friend for whom I had a great deal of respect, and I gained that respect through difficult times. I thought very highly of him… He was a great representative of Wyoming."

- Former Democratic Gov. Mike Sullivan, who lost to Thomas in the 1994 U.S. Senate race

"He was just a wonderful guy. He will be sadly missed for his many fine personal qualities, as well as his staunch, strong, conservative views. If you didn't like Craig, you had a serious psychological problem. State official or legislator or congressman or senator, he did his best to represent Wyoming."

- Tom Stroock, former state senator and U.S. ambassador to Guatemala

"He really was a champion for the issues important to us in the West, particularly us in any natural resource industry. He was consistently there for us… This is a real loss for the state of Wyoming of someone who has championed our issues and had some seniority in the Senate. It will be an adjustment for our industry not having Craig Thomas back there for us."

- Jim Magagna, executive vice president, Wyoming Stock Growers Association

"It's a huge loss. He was a great man. He worked tirelessly for the state and for the people of the state of Wyoming. He came back almost every weekend to go to various functions and to talk to people. That was reflected in the amount of votes that he got whenever he ran for re-election."

- Former state House speaker and state Sen. Bruce Hinchey, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming

"In unassuming and generous ways, he did more for Wyoming, more for Wyoming people, than most people knew. His positive spirit permeated every interaction. Fiercely loyal and generous of spirit, Craig was funny and tenacious all in the same moment… He loved people and loved to make a difference. What better mark of a man?"

- Former staffer Liz Brimmer

"Craig Thomas admirably served the people of this state and this country, as a Marine, as a state legislator, as a congressman and as a U.S. senator. He brought dignity and thoughtfulness to our political process. He will be missed."

- John Millin, Wyoming Democratic Party chairman

For over 25 years of public life, Craig worked tirelessly on behalf of Wyoming's people. He was everyone's friend, and constantly traveled the breadth of our state, always with a cheerful greeting, warm words and keen interest. He was a fighter for our country and for our state, and he worked hard for Wyoming all the way to the end. We will miss him.

- Fred Parady, Wyoming Republican Party chairman

Editors' Note: Please leave your own thoughts about Craig Thomas' death below, in the "Add your comments here" section. Please keep comments clean and respectful to Thomas' surviving family. Thank you.