The Council Remembers President George H. W. Bush
The Council of American Ambassadors notes with sorrow the death of the United States 41st President, George Herbert Walker Bush.
Having served as a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Chief of the U.S. Liason Office to China, President Bush was the Honorary Chiar of the Council of American Ambassdors.
In his memory, the Council has collected remembrance quotes from its members and shared them below.
“We’ve lost a great leader, a great patriot and a great role model. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family. They’ve lost someone who can never be replaced...We witnessed the collapse of the East Bloc, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of Germany, the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, and the end of the Soviet Union. Under less able leadership, we could have run aground on any of these. His knowledge, experience, judgement and understanding ensured that we did not. America and the world owe him a debt that can never be repaid. As the Irish say, his like will not be seen here again.” –Ambassador Ryan Crocker (Your Basin)
“He was like a Midwest person. He couldn’t have been friendlier.” –Ambassador Sally Novetzke (Globe Gazette) (KCRG)
“I think he was one of the best servant leaders we will ever know. He brought more light, belief, compassion and leadership into our lives. I always knew that he and Barbara would have the very best advice for anything you thought you needed to do. They became people of wisdom that I felt so privileged to have as a resource in my life.” – Ambassador Nancy Brinker (WPTV)
“The way he dealt with people. His opponents were never his enemies. He could work across the aisle and work with people of different parties, different backgrounds, different ideologies, international areas, different religions, different parts of the world and forge coalitions that were effective.” – Ambassador Victor Ashe (WATE)
“He was someone who always did what he believed was right for the country and he was a man of tremendous honor and integrity.” – Ambassador H. Douglas Barclay (Oswego County News Now)
“Michigan lost an outstanding statesman today. President Bush was a beacon of light and freedom, the last of the Greatest Generation to serve. A grateful nation mourns with his family and celebrates his life today.” – Ambassador Ronald Weiser (WXYZ)
