George W H Bush ‘did tremendous good’
Praise flowed at the weekend for former President George HW Bush, who died on Saturday:
‘‘He was a man of the highest character. 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.’’ – Former President George W Bush
‘‘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.’’ – Former President Barack Obama.
‘‘The legacy of George H.W. Bush will be forever etched in the history of America and the world. It is a lifelong record of selfless patriotic service to our nation.’’ – James A. Baker III, Bush secretary of state.
‘‘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.’’ — President Donald Trump.
‘‘Iwill be forever grateful for the friendship we formed. From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he showed to Chelsea, by his innate and genuine decency, and by his devotion to Barbara, his children, and their growing brood.’’ – Former President Bill Clinton.
‘‘It was a time of great change, demanding great responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and nuclear arms race. (My wife, Raisa, and I) deeply appreciated the attention, kindness and simplicity typical of George and Barbara Bush, as well as the rest of their large, friendly family.’’ – Former Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev
‘‘He saw America’s obligation to the world and honoured it. I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep-down decent people I have ever known.’’ – John Major, British Prime Minister from 1990-1997
‘‘Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of former President George H.W. Bush. His administration was marked by grace, civility, and social conscience. Through his Points of Light initiative and other projects, he espoused a uniquely American volunteer spirit, fostering bipartisan support for citizen service and inspiring millions to embrace community volunteerism as a cherished responsibility. We again extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family.’’ – Former President Jimmy Carter
‘‘Iam mourning George Bush ... as the chancellor of Germany and as a German who, without the results of his policies, probably couldn’t be standing here today.’’ – German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up behind the Iron Curtain in communist East Germany
‘‘Adistinguished man has passed away. One who served his country for his entire life, with a weapon in his hands during wartime and in high office during peacetime.’’ – Russian leader Vladimir Putin
‘‘President Bush’s calmness, leadership and close personal relationships with Helmut Kohl and Mikhail Gorbachev were decisive in restoring peace and freedom back to so many people across our Continent. We Europeans will forever remember this.’’ – EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker
‘‘One might disagree with a policy or a decision of George Herbert Walker Bush. But no one ever questioned his patriotism, his human decency, his selfless service to his God, country, family, and friends. He represented the best within us.’’ – Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of the late President Lyndon Johnson
–AP