Roughly eight months after the passing of his beloved Barbara, former President George H.W. Bush died at age 94 on Friday night, November 30.
The 41stpresident is survived by five children, including President George W. Bush, and 17 grandchildren. The 43rdpresident released a statement following his father’s death:
“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear 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 of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”
According to Wikipedia, “Several key moments in Bush’s life led to a deepening of his faith in Jesus Christ, including his narrow escape from Japanese forces in 1944 and the tragic death of his three-year-old child, Robin, in 1953.”
A CNN report says of the late president, “After losing the White House in 1992, Bush became a widely admired political elder who leapt out of airplanes to mark birthday milestones. Emphasizing the generosity of his soul, he forged a close — and unlikely — friendship with Democrat Bill Clinton, the man who ended his presidency. When Parkinson’s disease mostly silenced him in public, Bush flashed his sense of humor by sporting colorful striped socks.”
Fox News ran a statement from President Trump, currently in Argentina, that read in part:
“Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night.
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.”
Bush often used a “thousand points of light” theme to describe the power ordinary citizens have to solve problems locally in their communities.
In addition to his single term as President from 1989-1993, when he led the United States through the Gulf War with Iraq and Saddam Hussein, Bush’s lifetime of national service included two terms as Ronald Reagan’s vice-president, a stint as Director of the CIA, and a naval aviator during World War II.
According to CBN News, Bush was, “the man who sought a ‘kinder, and gentler nation,’ and the one who sternly invited Americans to read his lips — he would not raise taxes. He was the popular leader of a mighty coalition that dislodged Iraq from Kuwait, and was turned out of the presidency after a single term. Blue-blooded and genteel, he was elected in one of the nastiest campaigns in recent history… George Herbert Walker Bush was many things, including only the second American to see his son follow him into the nation’s highest office. But more than anything else, he was a believer in government service.”
Several national and Christian leaders have reacted to the death of “one of the last Republicans” on Twitter:
Franklin Graham wrote, “Our deepest sympathy to the family of President George H.W. Bush who passed away late Friday at the age of 94. President and Mrs. Bush were friends of my parents’ through the years. May God bring comfort to all the Bush family.”
Our deepest sympathy to the family of President George H.W. Bush who passed away late Friday at the age of 94. President and Mrs. Bush were friends of my parents’ through the years. May God bring comfort to all the Bush family. https://t.co/N5OEdYCM69
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) December 1, 2018
President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Albert Mohler wrote, “Thankful tonight for the life and historic impact of President George H. W. Bush, who lived one of the great lives of the 20th century and was a man of incredible personal character. He left an undeniable mark on history.”
Thankful tonight for the life and historic impact of President George H. W. Bush, who lived one of the great lives of the 20th century and was a man of incredible personal character. He left an undeniable mark on history.
— Albert Mohler (@albertmohler) December 1, 2018
Former Governor Mike Huckabee wrote, “Waking up to the sad news of the passing of fmr Pres George HW Bush at age 94. A true statesman, war hero in WWII, servant of God and country and patriarch of great family. Heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Waking up to the sad news of the passing of fmr Pres George HW Bush at age 94. A true statesman, war hero in WWII, servant of God and country and patriarch of great family. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) December 1, 2018
Among several of Bush’s best quotes of relevance to our political and societal ills today (aside from his declaration that as president he would no longer eat his broccoli) are:
· “No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit.”
· “In crucial things, unity. In important things, diversity. In all things, generosity.”
· “Don’t confuse being ‘soft’ with seeing the other guy’s point of view.”
· “I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger.”
· “America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.”
Photo courtesy: Getty Images
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