Bush 41’s post-White House years marked by sky-high aspirations, service, volunteerism

By: Gabrielle Wilkosz

Former President George H. W. Bush is being remembered as a man of service and high character. The 41st president of United States died in Houston Friday night. His death comes seven months after the death of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.

At age 18, Mr. Bush became the youngest aviator in the Navy, and at age 90, he celebrated his birthday by skydiving. Throughout his life, Mr. Bush redefined what it means to age -- a task well suited for the longest-lived former president or vice president to date.

Mr. Bush made Texas his home in 1948 and served in Congress from Texas’ 7th district. He was held in public opinion as both a Sun Belt businessman and a global-thinking peacemaker with a knack for across-the-aisle negotiations.

Throughout their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bush devoted time to volunteerism and charity. In line with Mr. Bush’s National and Community Service Act of 1990, the family also founded the Points of Light Foundation, which is credited as having launched the modern volunteer service movement.

We remember Mr. Bush by these contributions to American life, and his devotion to the embodiment and culture of Texas, where he spent much of his time.

During his inaugural address in 1989, Mr. Bush said, "We must bring in the generations, harnessing the unused talent of the elderly and the unfocused energy of the young."