George HW Bush passed away on Friday, not even eight months after his wife Barbara passed. This was a big reason why HW’s granddaughter Barbara married so suddenly a few months ago – she wanted her beloved grandfather to be able to attend her wedding. HW Bush was 94 years old. He was a WWII veteran, a Navy pilot in the Pacific theater of the world war. In addition to serving as the 41st president of the United States, he also served his country as congressman, a UN ambassador, a special envoy to China, the director of the CIA, and vice president for two terms under Ronald Reagan.

I’m not going to whitewash George HW Bush’s life and legacy, but he did many good things, things that seem so foreign the current era of Trumpian Republicanism. He was an unabashed internationalist, and arguably one of the finest diplomats to ever sit in the Oval Office. He believed in the United Nations and NATO, and he believed that America was stronger when we had strong alliances with other nations. He was a Republican who raised taxes, and arguably laid the groundwork for the economic growth of the 1990s. He also oversaw a presidential campaign full of racist dog-whistles, and lord knows, he loved to grope unconsenting women, and he also ignored the AIDS crisis when thousands of men and women were dying. And he put Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court. Ugh.

After HW left office, he ended up developing a close friendship with Bill Clinton. Some even suggested that Clinton saw in “Pappy” Bush the surrogate father he was always looking for. So in addition to HW Bush’s five surviving children, also spare a thought for his good friend Bill too. The Bushes were also quite close to the Obamas too, and you can really tell by the warmth of everyone’s statements about him. I’m not even going to mention the Orange One, if that’s okay.

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

George H.W. Bush was a beloved father & grandfather, a war hero, a public servant, & a class act. In my experiences w/ him, I always valued his desire to listen, look at evidence & ask for ideas, even from people w/ different beliefs. My heart goes out to the entire Bush family.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 1, 2018

As a public servant, father, and grandfather, President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary example for us all. His spirit of service and decency will be missed by many, including our family. I hope his memory will be a guiding light for our country and those around the world. pic.twitter.com/jUSU82TnO1

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 1, 2018

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

If you haven’t already, be sure to read President George H.W. Bush letter to President Bill Clinton on Inauguration Day, 1993: https://t.co/J4UgzPCjOT pic.twitter.com/IzENQuywfq

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 1, 2018

Photos courtesy of WENN.