Former President George H.W. Bush has passed away at age 94, a little over seven months since the death of his beloved wife Barbara.

His health had been fragile ever since her passing in April, including hospitalization after the funeral itself, and again in May while vacationing. I think we all knew that the end of his life was probably rapidly approaching, especially after losing his wife of over 70 years.

But what an amazing life it has been.

Coming from a family with a tradition of public service, George Herbert Walker Bush felt the responsibility to make his contribution both in time of war and in peace. Born in Milton, Massachusetts, on June 12, 1924, he became a student leader at Phillips Academy in Andover. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the armed forces. The youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings, he flew 58 combat missions during World War II. On one mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and was rescued from the water by a U. S. submarine. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.

George and Barbara married in 1945, and began 73 years together.

Barbara Bush (1925-2018) and George Bush at their wedding, 1945: pic.twitter.com/VvooYcbTNj

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) April 17, 2018

This lifetime together would include six children: George W., Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy, and the early loss of daughter Robin to leukemia.

Mr. Bush’s career in politics followed his work in the Texas oil industry, and eventually led to several different positions before the Vice Presidency and Presidency.

Like his father, Prescott Bush, who was elected a Senator from Connecticut in 1952, George became interested in public service and politics. He served two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas. Twice he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate. Then he was appointed to a series of high-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 1980 Bush campaigned for the Republican nomination for President. He lost, but was chosen as a running mate by Ronald Reagan. As Vice President, Bush had responsibility in several domestic areas, including Federal deregulation and anti-drug programs, and visited scores of foreign countries. In 1988 Bush won the Republican nomination for President and, with Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, he defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis in the general election.

While his relationship with Ronald Reagan was initially contentious when they were campaigning against each other, they eventually established an excellent working relationship during the Reagan administration.

Mr. Bush would continue to have a good relationship with his vice president, Dan Quayle, long after they left the White House.

Joyful reunion with a great friend and a wonderful public servant. Lucky to have had Dan by my side during 4 years of challenge and change. pic.twitter.com/lYZL9AFNxp

— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) July 26, 2017

The most momentous event during the Bush 41 administration was the Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm.

#OTD 1991: the United Nations deadline for the Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait expires, and the Pentagon prepared to commence offensive operations of the Persian Gulf War. pic.twitter.com/61VtmC8VwO

— Veterans Health (@VeteransHealth) January 16, 2018

#OnThisDay 1991: President @georgehwbush announces start of Persian Gulf War: "Just two hours ago, allied air forces began an attack on military targets in Iraq and Kuwait. These attacks continue as I speak." https://t.co/xqANEPmhlF pic.twitter.com/QjqQvlyY4M

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 17, 2018

However, Mr. Bush lost the 1992 election to Bill Clinton, and while his presidency came to an end, his era of elder statesmanship was solid and remarkable. President Bush also joined the rarified company of President John Adams, becoming the second president in history to also be the father of a president. The two would often refer to each other by their presidential numbers, “41” and “43.”

“George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for.”

— President George W. Bush on his father's death: https://t.co/9lo3EsJMEp pic.twitter.com/zX96l2q59I

— Complex (@Complex) December 1, 2018

Mr. Bush was also the longest-lived president, and holds the record for the longest presidential marriage.

Seventy years ago this very day, Barbara Pierce of Rye, NY made me the happiest, and luckiest, man on earth. pic.twitter.com/rgZqpL9XfE

— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) January 6, 2015

Mr. Bush is survived by his five adult children, scores of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a magnificent legacy of service and steadfastness.

Statement by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, on the passing of his father this evening at the age 94. pic.twitter.com/oTiDq1cE7h

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 1, 2018

RIP, Mr. President. George and Barbara are reunited, again.

— Barbie ❤ Red Sox ⚾️ (@12truewest) December 1, 2018

Rest in peace, Mr. President.

Featured image: President George H.W. Bush, 1989 official presidential portrait (image via Wikimedia Commons)