George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died on Friday. He was 94.
George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush’s son and the 43rd president of the United States, said in a statement on Friday, “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those that have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”
Bush served as vice president to Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989 before being elected president himself in 1989 and serving one term. He wed Barbara Pierce in 1945 and the two were married for 73 years, until her death in April. Their marriage was the longest of any American president and first lady.
Bush served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, enlisting on his 18th birthday after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He became the youngest aviator in the Navy at the time, serving until the end of the war.
Bush returned stateside and moved his family to Texas, where he became a millionaire in the oil business. After founding his own company, he became involved in politics and won election to the House of Representatives. In 1971, he was appointed ambassador to the United Nations by President Richard Nixon. In 1976, he was named director of the CIA.
In 1980, Bush ran for president but lost in the Republican primary to Reagan, who then selected him as his vice president. He was elected president in 1988 and served one term in office from 1989-1993, losing to Democratic candidate Bill Clinton in the 1992 election.
Two decades later, Bush’s eldest son, George W., became president in 2000.
Bush was named “Man of the Year” by Time magazine in 1990, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993 and received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
President Trump said in a statement on Friday, “Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night. Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.”
In his own statement on Bush’s passing, 44th U.S. president Barack Obama said in part, “America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude.”
Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, said in his statement, “Hillary and I mourn the passing of George H.W. Bush, and give thanks for his great long life of service, love, and friendship.” Clinton said later in the statement, “I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts.”
Bush is survived by his two siblings, five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
“Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as it is practical,” a statement from his office on Friday said.
