30
Nov
Obituary: George HW Bush
George H.W. Bush passed away late on Friday at his home in Houston, as announced by his son, George W. Bush.
George Herbert Walker Bush was an influential American statesman and a prominent Republican politician. He served as a congressman, ambassador, Director of Central Intelligence, the 43rd Vice President of the United States from 1981 to 1989, and the 41st President from 1989 to 1993.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, George H.W. Bush postponed his university studies and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18, becoming one of the youngest aviators. After completing his military service, he attended Yale University, graduating in 1948 with an undergraduate degree in economics through an accelerated programme. Bush then relocated to West Texas with his family, entered the oil business, and became a millionaire by the age of 40.
In 1971, President Nixon appointed him as ambassador to the United Nations. In 1973, Bush became Chairman of the Republican National Committee. The following year, President Gerald Ford appointed him Chief of the Liaison Office in China, and later he was named Director of Central Intelligence.
In 1980, George H.W. Bush ran for the presidency but was defeated in the Republican primary by Ronald Reagan. However, he later became Vice President after Reagan won the election, serving as his running mate. In 1988, Bush ran for President again and triumphed over Democratic opponent Michael Dukakis, becoming the first incumbent Vice President to be elected President in 152 years.
Bush's presidency is notable for significant military operations in Panama and the Persian Gulf, as well as for key historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union on 26 December 1991. He also signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which established a trade bloc comprising the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After contending with an economic recession and a decline in the importance of foreign policy in the post-Cold War political landscape, Bush lost the 1992 presidential election to Democrat Bill Clinton. Following his departure from office in 1993, George H.W. Bush became actively involved in various humanitarian efforts.
George Herbert Walker Bush was named after his maternal grandfather, who was affectionately known as "Pop." As a tribute to his namesake, he was called "Poppy" during his childhood. In his public service career, he was known as George Bush. Following the victory of his son, George W. Bush, in the 2000 presidential election, he became commonly referred to as "George H.W. Bush," "Bush 41," or "George Bush Sr." They became only the second father-son pair to serve as Presidents of the United States, following John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
While still serving in the Navy, Bush married Barbara Pierce (1925-2018) on 6 January 1945. The couple had six children together. When Barbara passed away on 17 April 2018, George H.W. Bush had been married to her for an impressive 73 years, making it the longest presidential marriage in American history. Their marriage surpassed the 54-year union of John and Abigail Adams (1764-1818). After Barbara's death, he stated through his spokesman, "We have faith she is in heaven, and we know life will go on—as she would have wanted."
On his last day, just hours before George H.W. Bush died, his friend James Baker told him he was going to heaven. Bush replied, "Good. That's where I want to go." In his eulogy for his father, George W. Bush referenced this moment, saying, "And in our grief, let us smile, knowing that Dad is hugging Robin and holding Mum's hand again." George Bush Sr. lived to the extraordinary age of 94 years and 171 days, making him the longest-lived president in the history of the United States.
George H.W. Bush will be remembered for his outstanding political career and business success, as well as his inspirational quotes:
“The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, and accomplishing something. And then I’d add to that, giving something back. No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others.”
“I think the spirit of America, one American wanting to make another American’s life better, or internationally our desire to see countries do better or people in countries do better, coming from this concept of volunteerism, is a very valid and important part of our internal being.”
“I put confidence in the American people, in their ability to sort through what is fair and what is unfair, what is ugly and what is unugly.”
“The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.”
“I do not mistrust the future. I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our hearts are greater. Our challenges are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are endless, God’s love is truly boundless.”
