Former President George HW Bush Dies At 94
George H.W. Bush, the former president of the United States between 1989 and 1993, died Friday night at his home in Houston. He was 94.
Bush, who enjoyed a long and decorated career in public service, served as the 41st president of the United States, and presided over a victory over Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War.
His wife, Barbara Bush, passed away in April. They were married for 73 years.
His son, George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd U.S. president, issued a statement through a family spokesperson. "Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died."
George H.W. Bush entered politics in 1964 after starting a Texan oil business and becoming a millionaire by the age of 40. He was an accomplished Navy pilot in World War II and was shot down in September 1944 by the Japanese during a bombing raid. He was rescued by a U.S. submarine, after evading Japanese boats sent to capture him.
As president, Bush presided over the end of the Cold War and the led the U.S. to a victory in the first Gulf War, when an international coalition expelled then-Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's troops from Kuwait.
Although Hussein was chased out of Kuwait, his son George W. Bush, the 43rd president, pushed for more military intervention in Iraq, leading to a second war in the Gulf.
George H.W. Bush could not translate his military victory into re-election, as a poor economy led to voter dissatisfaction in 1992, and a victory for President Bill Clinton. Bush is the last U.S. president to serve one term.
Bush was forced to use a wheelchair in recent years, as he suffered from a form of Parkinson's disease. He had also been in and out of hospitals.
He is survived by five of his children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two siblings.
Several people including President Donald Trump and Former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to express their condolences.
America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example. pic.twitter.com/g9OUPu2pjY
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 1, 2018
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. https://t.co/1CYdrIeKmz
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 1, 2018
President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara. This evening, each of us should take a minute to look up and offer him a silent thanks. FULL STATEMENT: https://t.co/XbuFYztrmg
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) December 1, 2018
George H W Bushwas a class act. He loved this country and spent a lifetime in its service. RIP President Bush.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) December 1, 2018
Apple CEO Tim Cook in a tweet said Bush "taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency."
We have lost a great American. Service defined President George H.W. Bush’s life, and he taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency. We send our deepest sympathies to the Bush family.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 1, 2018
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