Former President George H.W. Bush Dies At 94
(CBSDFW.COM) - Former President George H.W. Bush has passed away at the age of 94, according to a family spokesperson.
Family spokesman Jim McGrath announced the passing of the 41st president on Twitter on Friday. He said the president passed away at 10:10 p.m.
Former President George W. Bush released a statement on his father's death.
"Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our 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 for those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens," the 43rd president said.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced as soon as possible.
World events shaped Bush's presidency. The Soviet Union collapsed and the Berlin Wall came down. He led a worldwide coalition and war against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Yet despite the overwhelming victory and what many consider the highest presidential approval rating ever -- 89 percent -- it still couldn't guarantee him re-election.
♦♦♦Full Coverage - President George H. W. Bush 1924 – 2018♦♦♦
In 1992, he lost to then Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton.
"I'm very grateful to all of you. It's been a wonderful four years. Nobody can take that away from any of us," said Bush after hos loss. "It's been good and strong, and I think we've really contributed, and maybe history will record it that way."
Before he was president, Mr. Bush served as vice-president under President Reagan for eight years. In 1984, the duo accepted the Republican nomination during their convention at the Hotel Anatole in Dallas.
Bush, a World War II naval aviator and Texas oil industry executive, began his political career in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1967.
But before, during and even after politics, much of Mr. Bush's life was dedicated to public service.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Bush decided to join the US. Navy after graduating from Phillips Academy in 1942, just three days before his 19th birthday, making him the youngest naval aviator to that date.
Bush was accepted to Yale University prior to his enlistment in the military and took up the offer after his discharge and marriage Barbara Pierce on January 6, 1945, only weeks after his return from the Pacific. The couple moved to Texas in 1948. They settled in Midland where they started their family.
Their oldest son, George W. was later elected Governor of Texas and went on to become the 43rd President of the United States.
President H.W. Bush ended his political career where he began -- in the Lone Star State. He opened his presidential library at Texas A&M. "More important to me is how these records will serve to educate future generations of Americans its government faced," he said at the opening.
President Bush also had a lighter side. After losing re-election, he welcomed comedian Dana Carvey to the White House. Carvey's imitation of Bush was a popular. His imitation of the former president was a popular skit on Saturday night live and Mr. Bush didn't seem to mind a bit.
Mr. Bush loved skydiving -- even did so for his 90th birthday. Additionally, after George W. was elected president, Mr. Bush loved their new nicknames "Bush 41 and 43."
"He taught me how to be a President, and before that a man. 41, I'm so glad you're here," said George W. at the opening of his Presidential Center at SMU in April 2013.
Bush Senior was also known for his "thousand points of light" -- a call for volunteerism.
President Obama awarded him the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor
His wife Barbara died earlier this year in April at the age of 92. She was buried at the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum in College Station after her funeral in Houston.
Former President Barack Obama tweeted out his statement on Bush's passing. According to McGrath, the two had a visit while Obama was in Houston on Tuesday, "where they rekindled what was already a very warm friendship."
Current President Donald Trump said in a statement: "Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush... As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed. And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction."
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry tweeted out his condolences, saying "Tonight, our Nation honors the life and legacy of President George H.W. Bush. His unwavering service to our country and his family was unparalleled. #GigEm."
Current Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement on the passing of the former president who called Texas his home.
"The state of Texas mourns with the nation at the passing of one of our greatest Presidents. George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon, he was a friend to all he met, he embodied class and dignity. Texans are genuinely honored that he called the Lone Star State home and we collectively grieve this monumental loss. On behalf of Texas, Cecilia and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the Bush family in their time of need," Abbott said.
Forty-second President Bill Clinton joined the nation to grieve for his friend's passing. "Hillary and I mourn the passing of President George H. W. Bush, and give thanks for his great long life of service, love and friendship. I am grateful for every minute I spent with him and will always hold our friendship as one of my life's greatest gifts."
Texas House Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio released the following statement early Saturday on the life of President George H.W. Bush:
"President George Bush lived his entire life in service to his country. History will remember him as a man who made America stronger and more secure, who served bravely as a Navy aviator and led boldly as Commander in Chief, who made difficult decisions even when they weren't politically convenient, and who governed with strength and pragmatism. He was all of those things, and a statesman in every sense of the word.
"But just as importantly, George Bush was the type of person who all of us should aspire to be: He was an unfailingly kind man who never wavered in his devotion to his family, his principles, his country, and his belief in serving others. For all the acts of service that he inspired and encouraged, it was his life that proved to be the most brilliant point of light of all. My family and I were honored to call President and Mrs. Bush our friends for many decades, and we will always be grateful to have known them and to have witnessed their enormous contribution to the country they so deeply loved."
-- Speaker Joe Straus
The Office of George H.W. Bush released an obituary for the former president that talks about his life in detail.
