• Nation, world react to former president’s death,
George Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died on Friday at age 94, and the tributes and condolences quickly poured in online. From his family, including the 43rd president of the United States, to those who had disagreed with his politics, a surge of posts honored the man who served his country in more than 40 years of public service.
“After 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” former President George W. Bush said in a statement on behalf of his siblings. “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.”
George P. Bush, a grandson who serves as the Texas land commissioner, lauded his grandfather for his dedication to his country and to his family.
“To me,” he said on Twitter, “he will always be Gampy. The man who taught me to fish in Maine, to throw a horseshoe and to swing a baseball bat lefty.”
The White House released a statement on behalf of President Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump: “Melania and I join with a grieving nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush.”
“With sound judgment, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War,” the statement said. “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.”
Vice President Mike Pence described Mr. Bush as a “good and great man” whose career was characterized by modesty, integrity and patriotism.
Mr. Bush, a Republican, drew praise from both sides of the aisle, as Democrats and Republicans alike commended his commitment to service.
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, the former first lady, said in a statement that “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.”
And former President Jimmy Carter said Mr. Bush’s administration was “marked by grace, civility and social conscience.”
In a piece published in The Washington Post, former President Bill Clinton fondly recalled the letter he received from Mr. Bush, his predecessor, upon assuming office.
“There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair,” Mr. Bush wrote. “I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course.”
Despite their differences, Mr. Clinton said, he admired Mr. Bush’s accomplishments, calling their friendship “one of the great gifts of my life.”
“To the end, we knew we would never agree on everything, and we agreed that was O.K.,” Mr. Clinton said. “Honest debate strengthens democracy.”
Sen. Claire McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri, called Mr. Bush “a class act,” and Sen. Jeff Flake, a Republican of Arizona, said, “We all owe a debt of gratitude for his honorable and humble service to the nation, and for his enduring example of kindness.”
Global leaders also paid their respects. Mikhail S. Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, called Mr. Bush a “true partner.”
“We had the opportunity to work together during the era of great changes,” Mr. Gorbachev said in a statement. “It was a dramatic period, which required everyone to be tremendously responsible. Its outcome was the end of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race.”
Theresa May, the British prime minister, described Mr. Bush as “a true friend” and “the trusted counterpart and confidant of two prime ministers.”
James A. Baker III, the former secretary of state and Mr. Bush’s closest adviser for nearly 50 years, noted the many ways his friend had served: a Navy pilot during World War II, a Texas congressman, a United Nations ambassador, director of the C.I.A., vice president — and finally, president.
“The legacy of George H.W. Bush will be forever etched in the history of America and the world,” he said in a statement, adding: “It was my pleasure and great joy to have had him as my special friend for more than 60 years.”
Condoleezza Rice, the former secretary of state in the administration of Mr. Bush’s son President George W. Bush, said in a statement that the senior Mr. Bush was a mentor to her and a dear friend.
“We will never forget his steady and inspired leadership in guiding the world to the peaceful end of the Cold War,” Ms. Rice wrote. “He has finished his race with honor and dignity.”
Mr. Bush was also honored in Texas, where he lived for decades. Sylvester Turner, the mayor of Houston, called him a “great Houstonian” and “one of our most esteemed and relatable neighbors,” and students at Texas A&M University held a candlelight vigil on campus.
Celebrities — even those who said they did not agree with Mr. Bush’s politics — were also among those who offered their condolences.
The comedian Dana Carvey frequently appeared on “Saturday Night Live” doing a signature impersonation of Mr. Bush and was invited to the White House by the president for a surprise visit. His appearance drew roars of laughter from White House staff members.
In a statement, Mr. Carvey said: “It was an honor and a privilege to know and spend time with George H.W. Bush for over 25 years. When I think of those times what I remember most is how hard we would laugh. I will miss my friend.”
Mr. Bush died less than eight months after his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.
“George and Barbara Bush are together again now, two points of light that never dimmed, two points of light that ignited countless others with their example,” the Obamas said in their statement.
The daughters of former President Nixon, Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, expressed a similar sentiment.
“While people everywhere salute and thank George H.W. Bush today,” they said, “we take special solace in knowing that President and Mrs. Bush are together again.”