Guwahati: The 41st president of the United States, and patriarch of a political dynasty, George H.W. Bush breathed his last on Friday at the age of 94. George is best remembered as a World War II combat pilot, a Cold War politician, and a compassionate family man.
His son George W. Bush, who served as the country's 43rd president, released a statement of his own from the family.
"Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died," George W. Bush said. "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 who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens."
The family said funeral arrangements would be announced: "as soon as is practical."
President Donald Trump sent a lengthy statement just past midnight on Saturday on behalf of he and first lady Melania Trump.
"Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night," Trump wrote. "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.
"Along with his full life of service to the country, we will remember President Bush for his devotion to family -- especially the love of his life, Barbara," he continued. "His example lives on and will continue to stir future Americans to pursue a greater cause. Our hearts ache with his loss, and we, with the American people, send our prayers to the entire Bush family, as we honour the life and legacy of 41."
Bush is survived by his five children, including former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
Bush was a key part of his family’s political dynasty. His father was a senator, and his son George W. Bush was president from 2001 to 2009.
He served two terms as President Ronald Reagan's second in command and became the first incumbent vice president to be elected president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. But Bush's tenure in the White House was limited to four years. He was defeated for re-election by Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992. A weakened economy, a limited domestic agenda and a broken promise against raising taxes contributed to Bush's defeat.
Bush was a one-time oil executive who spent years in government service, including terms as CIA director, ambassador to the United Nations and liaison to the People's Republic of China. He was also elected to the House of Representatives as a congressman from Texas. Following his time in the White House, he and his wife moved to Houston, where they led a relatively quiet life.
Grandson George P. Bush in a statement said, My grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew. His life spanned the American Century — he fought in World War II ... took part in the Texas oil boom ... served out a distinguished career in public service including serving as president during the final days of the Cold War.
He was more than a great man; he was a good man. His courage was matched by his compassion, and his dedication to the country was equalled only by his devotion to his family. Gampy, we love you and we will miss you. But we will never forget you.
Expressing grief over the death of the former President, Barak Obama in a statement said, 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. Not merely for the years, he spent as our forty-first President, but for the more than 70 years he spent in devoted service to the country he loved -- from a decorated Naval aviator who nearly gave his life in World War II, to Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces, with plenty of posts along the way. Ambassador to the United Nations. Director of Central Intelligence. U.S. Envoy to China. Vice President of the United States.
George H.W. Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. And he did tremendous good along the journey. Expanding America's promise to new immigrants and people with disabilities. Reducing the scourge of nuclear weapons and building a broad international coalition to expel a dictator from Kuwait. And when democratic revolutions bloomed across Eastern Europe, it was his steady, diplomatic hand that made possible an achievement once thought anything but -- ending the Cold War without firing a shot.
It's a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he'd want all of us to try.
Condolences are coming in form different sections of people.
Former HUD Secretary and fellow Texan Julian Castro said, President George Herbert Walker Bush lived an admirable life of service to the country. He made a positive impact on the lives of so many Americans. May he Rest In Peace.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said, George H.W. Bush served with valour and integrity as the 41st president of the United States. But to Houstonians, he was one of our most esteemed and relatable neighbours. He and his wife Barbara Bush were our sports teams' biggest fans and boosters for everything Houston. The Bushes could have moved anywhere after his time in public office, but they chose to return to their beloved city where he started his political career as the chair of the Harris County Republican Party.
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