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Former President George H.W. Bush dies: North Carolina officials react

Several North Carolina dignitaries are weighing in on the death of the 41st U.S. president.

Posted Updated

By
Alfred Charles
, WRAL.com managing editor

George H.W. Bush, a World War II hero whose presidency soared with the coalition victory over Iraq in Kuwait, but then plummeted in the throes of a weak economy that led voters to turn him out of office after a single term, has died. He was 94.

Bush, who also presided during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the final months of the Cold War, died late Friday night at his Houston home, said family spokesman Jim McGrath . His wife of more than 70 years, Barbara Bush, died in April 2018.

Gov. Roy Cooper today ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

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  • The governor also issued a statement: "President George H.W. Bush was a true statesman dedicated to serving the country he loved and leading the charge for a more compassionate and united world," said Governor Cooper. "We are grateful for his commitment to patriotism and public service. May his legacy inspire all of us to work toward a kinder and gentler nation, and may our thoughts and prayers bring comfort to his family.”
  • Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said: “George H.W. Bush will be long remembered for dedicating his life to protecting and bettering the country he loved, from his heroic service as a Navy pilot during WWII, to his steady leadership as President, playing a pivotal role to end the Cold War. He always made the tough decisions and put the nation’s interests first. A true testament to his character was his ability to befriend his old political rivals, a reminder that despite our differences, more unites the American people, including its leaders, than divides us. Susan and I send our condolences to the Bush family and join the rest of the nation in honoring a great American.”
  • Rep. George Holding: “From the war-torn skies over the Pacific to the hallowed halls of the White House, George H.W. Bush led a life of extraordinary service and profound consequence. As a young Member of Congress, George H.W. Bush gained the affection of his colleagues and earned a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Guided by his wisdom, sound judgment, and unshakable faith in freedom, President Bush forged a lasting international order and ushered in an era of national peace and prosperity. President Bush was a man of unimpeachable character and integrity whose decency and kindness earned him the respect and admiration of the nation he served. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love for his country was surpassed only by his love for his family. With President Bush’s passing, the United States has lost one its greatest statesmen. And while George H.W. Bush is no longer with us, his legacy lives on, forever enshrined in the hearts of the countless Americans he inspired and touched throughout the course of his storied life.”
  • North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes: "Last night we lost a great man. George Herbert Walker Bush was a man of honor and character. He is the true embodiment of the notion that public service is a noble calling, serving this country as a World War II aviator, Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. Envoy to China, Director of the CIA, Vice President under Reagan, and a term as the 41st President of the United States. My deepest condolences to the Bush family during this difficult time. I was privileged to personally know him, having visited the President and Mrs. Bush in their home. I hope the entire Bush family takes solace knowing that the country mourns with them, remembering him as the shining point of light he represented. Rest in peace, Mr. President."

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