Tributes for former US president George HW Bush

Bush’s passing comes just months after the death in April of his wife and revered first lady Barbara Bush

WASHINGTON DC: Tributes have poured for former US president George HW Bush following his death on Friday at the age of 94.

Here are excerpts of messages from the worlds of politics, business and Hollywood:

"George HW Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for."

— his son, former president George W Bush

Statement by President George W. Bush on the death of his father, President George H.W. Bush https://t.co/wDD0vnlN8U pic.twitter.com/t7UsDYSKY8

— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) December 1, 2018

"Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service."

— US President Donald Trump

President George H.W. Bush led a long, successful and beautiful life. Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family. His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018

"I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life's greatest gifts."

— former US president Bill Clinton, who defeated Bush in the 1992 election

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

"We had the chance to work together during the time of enormous changes. And this was a dramatic time which called for huge responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and the arms race... He was a true partner."

— former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev

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 HW Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. (...) It's a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he'd want all of us to try."

— former US president Barack Obama

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

"President George HW Bush's ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all. (...) Today Britain remembers a great statesman and a true friend of our country."

— British Prime Minister Theresa May

President Bush was a true friend to the UK and the trusted counterpart and confidant of two Prime Ministers. His statesmanship, wisdom and friendship will be much missed and today we send our deepest condolences to his family and to the American people.

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) December 1, 2018

"I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep down decent people I have ever known."

— former British prime minister John Major

"In 1989, at a time of upheaval and challenges, when the blocs were staggering and the decades-long confrontation was beginning to crumble, he bravely seized the opportunity to end the Cold War. He is among the architects of German unity. We will never forget that."

— German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

1989, als die Blöcke wankten und die jahrzehntelange Konfrontation zu bröckeln begann, ergriff #GeorgeHWBush mutig die Chance zur Beendigung des Kalten Krieges. Auch er ist Architekt der deutschen Einheit. Wir trauern um einen großen Staatsmann und einen Freund Deutschlands.

— Heiko Maas (@HeikoMaas) December 1, 2018

"He was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe. Our sympathy to his family and beloved ones."

— French President Emmanuel Macron

On behalf of the French people, I convey all my condolences to the American nation for the loss of former President George Bush. He was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe. Our sympathy to his family and beloved ones. https://t.co/U3qKLYjUJi

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 1, 2018

"President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara."

— Hollywood action hero and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara. This evening, each of us should take a minute to look up and offer him a silent thanks. FULL STATEMENT: https://t.co/XbuFYztrmg

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) December 1, 2018

"We have lost a great American. Service defined President George HW Bush's life, and he taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency."

— Apple CEO Tim Cook

We have lost a great American. Service defined President George H.W. Bush’s life, and he taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency. We send our deepest sympathies to the Bush family.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 1, 2018