COLUMBUS – Ohio leaders remember former President George H. W. Bush as an honorable man who believed strongly in public service.
The nation’s 41st president, who had strong family roots in Columbus, died Friday night at age 94.
Governor John Kasich ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds throughout the state of Ohio from sunrise to sunset for the next 30 days.
In honor of the extraordinary life and service of President George H.W. Bush, I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings throughout the State of Ohio. pic.twitter.com/EMFSYphSV7
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) December 1, 2018
Bush’s father, Prescott Bush, who eventually served as a U.S. senator for Connecticut, was born in 1895 in Columbus and grandfather Samuel Prescott Bush lived for most of his life in Ohio, dying in Columbus in 1948.
“President Bush said that the definition of a successful life was in serving others, and he urged Americans to reach out to those in need as part of a ‘thousand points of light.’ President Bush never stopped helping his fellow Americans, and led the way for volunteer efforts in times of disaster or other events, often partnering with his 1992 political rival turned personal friend, President Bill Clinton. -Attorney-Gen. and Gov.-elect Mike DeWine
Fran and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a great and good man – our friend, President George H.W. Bush. We extend our sympathy and love to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His life revolved around his touchstones of faith, family and friends.
— Mike DeWine (@MikeDeWine) December 1, 2018
A patrician New Englander who as president evicted Iraqi troops from Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War and emerged with sky-high approval ratings, Bush was run out of office after voters struggling in a weak economy perceived him as out of touch.
Connie and I send our deepest condolences to the Bush family, and everyone mourning his loss today, including our friend @senrobportman, who served with President Bush. -SB
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) December 1, 2018
Here is my statement on the passing of my former boss and mentor, one of the most decent and honorable men I’ve ever known – former president George H.W. Bush . https://t.co/L5llszSY61
— Rob Portman (@robportmanOH) December 1, 2018
The genteel World War II hero also presided over the collapse of the Soviet Union and the final months of the Cold War while president.