On November 30th, 2018, at 94 years old, George H. W. Bush passed away at his home in Houston surrounded by friends, family, and doctors. Just before his death, he talked to his children on the phone one last time. As the New York Times reported, his last words were the end of a touching conversation with his eldest son, George W. Bush. After George W. told him how he had been a “wonderful dad,” and that he loves him, George. H. W. responded with his last words, “I love you, too.”

Many Americans have deemed George H.W. Bush as an influential man, who was both the 43rd Vice President and the 41st President of the United States. As a one-term president, many believe that he didn’t get the chance to enact much change. However, history teacher, Mr. Flanders believes that, “he did a good job of working with the other party, which is something we’ve been struggling with lately.”

Before he was a well-known political figure, Bush grew up not far from SWHS, in Greenwich, Connecticut. He had many careers prior to his time in the White House, including his service in the navy and business in the oil industry. Bush also created a family with his beloved wife, Barbara Bush. They were married for 73 years, and had 6 children that would come to constantly live in the spotlight. His eldest son, George W. Bush, followed in his footsteps and became the 43rd President of the United States. From governors to businessmen, his other children and grandchildren continue to follow in his footsteps.

In the year leading up to his death, Bush suffered a great loss. Barbara Bush, his wife, died last spring. Bush was devastated, but determined to live to experience one more summer in Maine, where he spent every summer of his life. Due to his vascular parkinsonism disease, Bush was not doing well himself after her death. Though he had been in a wheelchair for the past few years, he was struggling to stay healthy. After fighting to survive, George H. W. Bush knew that he didn’t have much time left. He called his family and spoke to them once more before passing.

As an extremely famous and beloved figure in America, the news of Bush’s death spread across the country. As junior, Megan LeMay explains, “I think it definitely had an impact on the country; it made everyone stop what they were doing and remember him. It brought the country together a little bit to honor his name and everything he did.” In order to do just that, President Trump declared December 5th a national day of mourning.

Once the initial news of his passing hit, memorials began to pop up across the nation. After a few different services, Bush will be laid to rest in the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas.