Here's how the world is reacting to the death of former President George H.W. Bush

HOUSTON – There's a police presence outside the Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home in West Houston where the body of George H.W. Bush is expected to be delivered.

Barricades have been set up. This is the same funeral home that former first lady Barbara Bush was brought when she died in April.

In the wake of former President's death, many people reached out to express their condolences.

From President Trump to former presidents to Bush's family, support poured in from across the world.

A website was also created to honor the former president.

Here is a look at the messages to the Bush family:

Here is the statement from the Office of George H.W. Bush:

"George Herbert Walker Bush, World War II naval aviator, Texas oil pioneer, and 41st President of the United States of America, died on November 30, 2018.  He was 94 and is survived by his five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two siblings. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Barbara; his second child Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush; and his brothers Prescott and William or “Bucky” Bush.

"Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as is practical."

Here's a statement from singer Lee Greenwood:

"I had the great privilege of traveling across this great nation with President Bush 41. Our time as friends took us from the White House to Camp David - which included Air Force One - to inaugurating the Points of Light Foundation at Disney World, to the opening of my theater in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, to Houston, Kennebunkport and every place where proud Americans reside. He was the best man, most generous patriot, and greatest friend a man could ask for.

"President and Mrs. Bush invited me to stay overnight at the White House where I slept in the Lincoln bedroom but never actually slept. The President and I watched Lawrence of Arabia in the theater room with just the President and I — played several songs on piano for him in the foyer. Then I stayed up all night reading the Gettysburg Address.

"There are many events on the campaign trail when we had personal time together. We were in the motorcade leaving one event when he pointed out the window at a single person standing on the sidewalk his quote was - 'this is how you win an election - one person at a time.'

"At each event he would speak and I would sing following his speech. At one event in Indiana my music track failed to play. After the second time with no music playing I sang without the track. He congratulated me when we got into the car.

"He treated me and my wife Kim like family and made us feel so comfortable around him. Sometimes I would pinch myself that I was in the presence of this war hero and giant of a man - the President of the United States. He was so kind to our sons Dalton and Parker to send notes upon their birth through their graduations.

"Our last time to see President Bush was in Kennebunkport in August. We thought it might have been our final goodbye. He sang the words of my song 'God Bless The USA' as I sat at his piano & played the song that tied us together for so many years. It was perhaps the proudest moment I had ever sang the song. Just me, 41, Kim and the Secret Service agents - it was a moment that made me such a Proud American and proud that I could bring him a moment of joy!"

Here's a statement from singer Sam Moore:

"My wife Joyce and I are personally saddened by the passing of one of the most honorable decent men our country ever had serve as its President.

"I had the honor of performing at his 1989 Inaugural concert Joyce co-produced 'The Celebration for Young Americans', his and Barbara’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration, where The Oak Ridge Boys helped celebrate them, The Points of Light Kennedy Center Concert & Fundraiser and last year’s One America Appeal hurricane relief concert at Texas A & M in College Station.

"Our strength and comfort goes out to the entire Bush family who we’ve been fortunate to know, see and feel their collective love and admiration for Papa Bush who has now gone to join the love of his life, Barbara.

"Rest in heaven President Bush with Mama and that beautiful little girl you two lost but never forgot, Robin. God speed sir."

Here's a statement from U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston:

"Shortly after being elected to Congress, I was pleasantly surprised when I received a statement indicating that former President George H.W. Bush desired to meet with me. After overcoming my sense of disbelief, I honored his request and had a private meeting with him in Houston, Texas. It was much longer than I expected and ended with him giving me some sage advice: because others will have an agenda for you, one of your most difficult challenges will be setting an agenda for yourself. Truer words were never spoken. 

"President George H.W. Bush, may you rest in peace knowing your legacy of service, dignity, and respectability are among the hallmarks of your presidency. The presidency didn’t define you. You defined your presidency. My condolences to his family and friends."

Here's a statement from Dr. Julie Baker Finck, president of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation:

"Today, we mourn the loss of President George H. W. Bush, yet celebrate and give thanks for his incredible life and steadfast service to our great nation.

"President Bush was a beloved hero, a respected leader, and a devoted family man. He represented strength, courage, compassion, and all that is good in the world.

"He believed, 'Any definition of a successful life includes service to others,' and he exemplified this belief through his unwavering love for his country, generosity, and acts of kindness. His resolute drive to do the right thing and the impact he made on our country will remain an inspiration to us. We will forever honor his legacy and follow in his path to be kinder, more giving people.

"President Bush recognized the value of community and sought to unify throughout his political career. 'We are a nation of communities,' he described in his 1988 inaugural address, 'a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.' He used the office of the presidency to call upon more people to become volunteers and in 1990, he created Points of Light, an organization dedicated to inspiring people across the globe to become volunteers and to engage in meaningful service opportunities to change the world.

"While our hearts are heavy, they are also comforted in knowing that he is at peace in Heaven, reunited with his beloved Barbara and their daughter Robin. We send our thoughts and prayers to our founders, Neil and Maria Bush, and the entire Bush family."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a statement from George W. Bush:

"Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the statement from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner:

"George H.W. Bush served with valor and integrity as the 41st president of the United States. But to Houstonians he was one of our most esteemed and relatable neighbors. He and his wife Barbara Bush were our sports teams’ biggest fans, and boosters for everything Houston. The Bushes could have moved anywhere after his time in public office, but they chose to return to their beloved city where he started his political career as the chair of the Harris County Republican Party.

“In statesman-like fashion, he knew the importance of reaching across the aisle to find common ground. He backed our bid to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He was an equal ally of former election foe President Bill Clinton in helping victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma through the One America Appeal. And I will always be grateful to the Bushes for being kind friends and advisers to me.

“For these reasons and more, I join Houstonians in mourning the death of George Herbert Walker Bush and expressing heartfelt condolences to his children and the rest of the Bush family. May we never forget his service to our country, his call for all of us to be a light to the world, and his loving spirit.”