ObitTree Blog

Former President of the United States, George H. W. Bush has passed away at the age of 94. His death comes just seven months after the passing of his wife and Former First Lady, Barbara Bush. Bush served as the nation’s 41st president and the first in nearly 200 years to have his son also become president.

Bush served only one term as president from 1989-1993, but he played a key role in many high-stakes international situations. Prior to his term as president, Bush served 8 years as vice president during the Reagan administration from 1981-1989.

 

During his time in office, President Bush worked towards a peaceful end to the Cold War with the last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev and first Russian President, Boris Yeltsin. In 1991 after many years of working towards a conclusion to the Cold War, Bush and Gorbachev would sign the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to reduce the number of nuclear weapons held by both sides. After the dissolution of the USSR, Bush and Yeltsin declared a US-Russian strategic partnership which officially brought an end to the Cold War.

 

In 1991, Bush would also tackle a crisis in the middle east. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Bush would form the US-led military coalition of nations. Together the coalition fought to deliver control of Kuwait back to the Kuwaiti government and force Saddam Hussein to retreat to Iraq. The mission was a success which caused Bush’s approval ratings to sky-rocket.

 

Domestically, Bush also achieved much success during his term in office. He signed several major initiatives into law. Two of the most notable acts were the Immigration Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 1990, Bush made his first appointment to the Supreme Court in 1990 when he appointed David Souter. In 1991, he made a second appointment for Clarence Thomas.

 

Perhaps President Obama best summed up Bush’s career in office when he presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. “As President, he expanded America’s promise to new immigrants and people with disabilities. He reduced nuclear weapons. He built a broad international coalition to expel a dictator from Kuwait. When democratic revolutions swept across Europe, it was the steady diplomatic hand of President Bush that made possible an achievement once thought impossible – ending the Cold War without firing a shot.”

 

Bush leaves behind an incredible legacy, to say the least. In addition to the many initiatives he accomplished while in office, he was also presented with numerous awards and accolades. In 1993, he became only the third U.S. president ever to be knighted. He was also honored with the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award in 2007 and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s Profile in Courage in 2014.

 

Volunteering was something President Bush truly believed in. In 1990, the Points of Light Foundation was created as a non-profit organization to promote the spirit of volunteerism. Before the foundation’s inception though, President Bush started awarding a daily award to one American making a difference in their community to solve serious social problems. At the conclusion of his presidency, 1020 daily points of light had been awarded. In 2013, President Obama invited President Bush to the White House for a special presentation of the 5000th Daily Point of Light award to a couple from Iowa. Up until his death, the Points of Life Foundation had continued the daily award with President Bush continuing to sign every award.

 

Outside of office, Bush was never afraid to share his opinion on politics. He vocally supported his son George’s bid for the presidency during the 2000 and 2004 campaigns. He also voiced support for Republican nominees John McCain and Mitt Romney. In 2016 though, he shocked many when he stated that he would not support the Republican candidate, Donald Trump. Instead, he said he would be voting for Hilary Clinton, whose husband Bill had made him a one-term president.

 

His life was not all business and politics. During his retirement, President Bush cofounded an annual fishing trip in Islamorada Florida. He also famously celebrated his 90th birthday by skydiving.

 

Bush is survived by his children, former President George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, Marvin Bush, and Dorothy Bush. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. His death was preceded by his wife Barbara and their daughter Robin.

 

We invite you to share condolences for President Bush in the comment section below.