By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

George C. Eyrich, Hamilton County Republican Party chairman for nine years beginning in 1977, led his party with the art of gentle persuasion.

He was first and foremost a family man, but his devotion to public service was part of the fabric of his life.

"I worked with him for 30 years in his law practice, but he spent most every afternoon at the Hamilton County Republican headquarters," said his son, David Eyrich of Addyston.

"He was a great listener (and) a wise counselor. He just had a way of defusing volatile situations - the way he handled the party, his clients - he was truly, in the old sense, a gentle man.

"If there was a blind person who wanted to cross the street, he would go get them. If someone needed a door open he would open the door. His whole life - it seems like it was serving others."

Mr. Eyrich, 85, died in his sleep Tuesday at Evergreen Retirement Community in Hartwell, his residence for the past nine months.

His devotion to public service was a family legacy. His father, George F. Eyrich Jr., also served as Hamilton County GOP chairman and as a Municipal Court judge.

Sometimes accused of being too nice to be a politician, Mr. Eyrich merely "lived his words," said his son. "He believed in the worth of every individual and he loved people, and that's what led him to his public service."

A lifelong Westwood resident, Mr. Eyrich graduated from Western Hills High School and later helped raise money for his alma mater.

He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law and the Harvard College of Business.

He served as treasurer of the State Central Republican Party and as chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

He was also chairman of the board of trustees of St. Francis-St. George Hospital, a member of the board of directors for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and on the board of the University of Cincinnati.

Mr. Eyrich retired two years ago from the downtown law firm of Statman, Harris, Sigel and Eyrich.

In addition to his son, survivors include Gertrude Burrage "Trudy" Eyrich, his wife of 60 years; two daughters, Carole Sievingof North Bend and Jann Eyrichof Santa Rosa, Calif.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon today at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 580 Anderson Ferry Road, Delhi Township. Mr. Eyrich's remains were buried at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorials: Ruth Glazer Adolescent Center, c/o Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, ML9002, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati 45229.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com