President George H.W. Bush died at the age on 94 on Friday, Nov. 30. His wife of more than 70 years, Barbara Bush, died in April.
As the nation looks back on his life and his presidency, it is also worth remembering Bush's history with Michigan.
George H.W. Bush's connection to Michigan dates back to World War II. He and Barbara Bush married in 1945 and for a short time during World War Two they lived in metro Detroit while the President's Squadron at a base in Grosse Isle.
The first lady wrote about it her book "Barbara Bush: A Memoir" in 1994. The couple rented rooms in Wyondotte and Dearborn and stayed in touch with one of the family's over the years
After the war—while playing baseball for Yale University—Bush competed in the first two college world series games at Western Michigan University in in Kalamazoo.
President Bush became active in politics in the early 1960s, already establishing himself as a self-made millionaire in the oil industry. Shortly after taking office, President Ford appointed Bush as the Ambassador of China.
Later Ford reassigned bush to Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Bush was only in office for a short time, leaving when Jimmy Carter defeated President Ford during the 1976 election.
Four years later, Ford campaigned with Bush who became Vice President when Ronald Reagan was elected to office.
In 1981 the Bushes came to Grand Rapids for the dedication of the Ford Presidential Museum. It was a big celebration with presidents, world leaders and celebrities in attendance.
In the years that followed, the Bushes would continue to visit Michigan.
Bush was in Detroit on one of the most important nights in the city's sports history. As vice president, Bush handed a baseball to Detroit Tigers Hall of Fame third baseman George Kell, who threw it for the first pitch at Tigers Stadium the night Detroit won the 1984 World Series.
"Autographing baseballs, hats and programs, the 60-year-old Republican attracted the attention of a packed ballpark and millions of Americans watching on television," the Free Press reported Oct. 15, 1984.
Vice-President George H. Bush at Tiger Stadium for Game 5 of the World Series between the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres on Oct. 14, 1984 in Detroit. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
As president, Bush campaigned for re-election at Hope College in Holland, and returned eight years later at the Dow Center for a campaign event for his son.
At the word of his passing, Governor Rick Snyder joined with the President Trump, ordering flags across the state to fly at half staff. They will remain that way for 30 days in honor of the 41st President of the United States.
"He was a great person who served his nation not only in the military and as President, but as a role model for all of us. His commitments to family and country before, during, and after his presidency were inspiring," Gov. Rick Snyder, who ordered the lowering of flags statewide for 30 days to honor the former president, tweeted Saturday.
Democrats, including both of Michigan's U.S. senators, released statements showing respect for Bush's service and leadership.
“We mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush and honor his lifetime of service to our country — as a Navy pilot in World War II, a diplomat, and a statesman who brought principled leadership to the world," U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said in a news release. "Our hearts are with the entire Bush family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said in a news release that he first met Bush after a presidential debate in 1992.
"President Bush was as kind and generous then as he was later in life. As we celebrate his life’s accomplishments and mourn his passing, I know that President Bush and his wife of 73 years, the late Barbara Bush, are once again together now," Kildee said.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, formerly the chair of the Michigan Republican Party, released a statement Saturday.
"We mourn the passing of an American patriot, former President George H.W. Bush," McDaniel said. "He stood for American strength and cared deeply for the American people, alongside his late wife Barbara. President Bush's legacy of bold leadership, patriotism, and humanitarianism will live on long after his passing. We at the RNC are praying for the entire Bush family."
Grand Rapids businessman Peter Secchia spoke with 13 ON YOUR SIDE about Bush. Secchia was appointed Ambassador to Italy under the Bush administration. Secchia also served as Vice Chairman of the Republican National Committee and head of the Midwest Region.
"George Herbert Walker Bush was probably the epitome of caring and understanding and loving his country," said Secchia. "He’s a man that’s hard to forget. He was dedicated to his country, he was dedicated to his jobs."
The Ford family also responded to the death of President Bush. Mike Ford, the son of President Gerald R. Ford and Mrs. Betty Ford and chair of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, said this in a statement, "Our father and mother cherished the deep and sacred friendship which they shared with President and Mrs. Bush. Together we celebrate the wonderful life and legacy of President Bush as we keep the Bush family close in our thoughts and prayers."
Similarly, Susan Ford Bales, Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford's daughter, issued a statement about Bush's passing. It read in part, " The passing of President George H. W. Bush saddens me to the core. America has lost an extraordinary embodiment of leadership, integrity, and resolve; I’ve lost a special friend of mine, as he most certainly was for Dad and Mom."
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will have a tribute to Bush in the lobby for the rest of the week. Guests are invited to sign the book. It will be sent to the Bush family.
The Detroit Free Press contributed to this reporting.
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