(Missourinet) – The Missouri Supreme Court announced the death of Judge Richard B. Teitelman Tuesday morning.

Teitelman began serving on the high court in 2002 after being appointed to the post by Governor Bob Holden. He won reelection to a 12-year term in 2004, and earlier this month was retained by a large majority of Missouri voters for another 12 year-year term. Teitelman served as the court’s chief justice from July 2011 through June 2013.

A spokesperson did not mention the cause of death, but Teitelman had reportedly been suffering from bad health for several years. He was 69.

The court cancelled arguments for its scheduled five cases Tuesday. The spokesperson said arrangements are pending.

Governor Jay Nixon tweeted a brief message Tuesday morning, saying “Missouri has lost a judicial leader who was a dedicated public servant, both to our state and to our legal system.”

In a statement, State Attorney General Chris Koster said “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Missouri Supreme Court Judge Richard Teitelman. Judge Teitelman has given our state a lifetime of public service, including two decades at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri representing the most vulnerable of our citizens. We will miss his wisdom, humor, and friendship.”

Dana Tippin Cutler, 2016-17 Missouri Bar President said “On behalf of the officers and members of The Missouri Bar, we offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Supreme Court of Missouri Judge Richard Teitelman. We join with the Court in recognizing his 18 years of service to the people of Missouri as an appellate judge and his career-long dedication to making sure all Missourians, regardless of their income, have equal access to justice in Missouri.”