The 41st President of the United States of America, George HW Bush, passed away last Friday at the age of 94. He leaves behind five children, including his eldest son, the 43rd US President George W. Bush. His eldest daughter Robin died at the age of 3 in 1973 while his beloved wife passed away this past April.
Former US secretary of state and the late Bush’s lifelong friend, James Baker III has since revealed that the late ex-President’s last words were “I love you too,” which he said to the younger Bush in a phone call.
Sharing that he held Bush’s hand and rubbed his feet before his passing, Mr Baker described: “It was as gentle a passing as I think you could ever expect anyone to have. And he was ready.” He added that the former President said that he wants to go to heaven in his last hours.
Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson Jr., rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, said: “There was no question he knew where he was going and who he was going to be with. He was looking forward to being with Barbara and Robin again.”
Bush was surrounded by his relatives and some friends in his last moments, while other relatives like George W Bush called in to speak to him before he passed. The 43rd President was reportedly put on speaker phone to speak to his father and praised him as a “wonderful dad.”
Revealing that renowned singer Ronan Tynan stopped by to pay his respects and sang the song ‘Silent Night,’ Mr Baker revealed: “Believe it or not, the president was mouthing the words.”
Rev. Dr. Levenson led the group in prayer about an hour before Bush passed. He said: “We all knelt around him and placed our hands on him and prayed for him and it was a very graceful, gentle death. It was very evident that that man was so deeply loved.”
The 41st President passed at 10.10pm peacefully. Mr Baker recalled: “If those things could be sweet, it was sweet.”
George W. Bush called his father “a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for” in a press statement:
Statement by President George W. Bush on the death of his father, President George H.W. Bush https://t.co/wDD0vnlN8U pic.twitter.com/t7UsDYSKY8
— The George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) December 1, 2018
Current US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid tribute to the late former President, as well. They said in a statement:
“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.”
Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush pic.twitter.com/qxPsp4Ggs7
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018
In a separate tweet, President Trump said: “President George H.W. Bush led a long, successful and beautiful life. Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family. His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!”
President George H.W. Bush led a long, successful and beautiful life. Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family. His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018
President Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama also released a press statement. He said, in part: “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.”
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
A picture of the late ex-President’s service dog, Sully, paying tribute to him has been going viral online. According to the BBC, “The two-year-old labrador was assigned earlier this year as a service dog to Mr Bush who used a wheelchair in the last years of his life.”
Mission complete. #Remembering41 pic.twitter.com/rXdyXAS4lk
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 3, 2018