Leaders near and far honor Bush’s legacy
WASHINGTON — The death of former President George H.W. Bush prompted fond memories and profound sympathies from Ohio lawmakers and others.
Word of Bush’s death came late Friday night. He was 94.
Bush, who served one term as the 41st president, from 1989 until January 1993, had been suffering from a form of Parkinson’s Disease. He died just seven months after the death of his wife, Barbara. They were the longest-married couple in presidential history at 73 years.
President Donald Trump said in a statement that “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.
“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,” Trump 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.”
Gov. John Kasich ordered that flags in Ohio be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days in honor of President George H.W. Bush.
“Ohioans join with all Americans and millions of people throughout the free world to mourn the death of President George Herbert Walker Bush,” Kasich said in a statement. “He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a gentleman, a patriot, a public servant, a statesman and a leader. ... Our thoughts are with the Bush family and all those who worked with this great man to make the world a better, safer place.”
Ohio Gov.-Elect Mike DeWine remembered the elder Bush’s frequent visits to Ohio, recalling one visit in which the family posed for a picture with him at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. While the group was posing, Bush noticed that DeWine’s son Brian had the flap of his jacket pocket turned out. “Ever the father, he helped him fix it before the picture was taken,” DeWine recalled.
“President Bush never stopped helping his fellow Americans, and led the way for volunteer efforts in times of disaster or other events, often partnering with his 1992 political rival turned personal friend, President Bill Clinton,” DeWine said.
He said Bush, who lost his daughter, Robin, to cancer when she was a child, called and offered his condolences when the DeWines’ daughter Becky died in 1993.
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“I will be forever grateful for the friendship we formed. From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, (Maine,) 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.”
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“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.”
••• “George H.W. Bush did it all. He was a war hero, a Cathy Rogers of Windham, Maine, pays her respects Saturday at a makeshift memorial for President George H. W. Bush across from Walker’s Point, the Bushes’ summer home, in Kennebunkport, Maine. U.S. citizens and world leaders spoke of the former president’s impact Saturday. congressman, an ambassador, vice president and president during one of the most momentous periods in our country’s history. An early boss and mentor, President Bush was one of the most decent and honorable men I’ve ever known, and a model that I have tried to follow in my years in public service. It was an honor to have worked for him when he was president and to have had his continued advice and counsel over the years.”
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“Like most of the WWII generation, and our veterans today, President George H.W. Bush never bragged about his military record. He simply dedicated his life to service, and we are all grateful for his commitment to our country.”
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“George H.W. Bush was the representation of what it means to be a servant leader. Whether it was serving in the Navy in World War II, as CIA Director and UN Ambassador, or in the White House during the Cold War and Desert Storm, President Bush spent his life dedicated to advancing our country’s standing on the world.” •••
“President Bush’s leadership reunified Germany and opened Eastern Europe to democracy without war. Millions of people live in democracy today as a result of his actions as president.”
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“(Bush’s term) 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.”
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“History has rightly looked back on his term in the White House favorably. And, after he departed Washington, he set an example with his exemplary character that inspired many to be better citizens and to volunteer in their communities. We’ve lost a giant in American history.”
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“Duty, sacrifice, commitment and patriotism. That is what President Bush preached and what he lived.”
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“The world has lost a great leader; this country has lost one of its best; and I have lost one of my dearest friends. I am heartbroken.”
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“The President’s civility, charm and warmth endeared him to his nation and to people everywhere, making him loved as much as he was admired and respected. We join with the American people to mourn his passing.”
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“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.”