Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, who helped ease the fallout of the Cold War and spent a life in service of his country, died on Friday in Houston. He was 94.

Bush’s death was announced by his son, former President George W. Bush, who called his father “a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for.”

“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,” the statement read.

Prior to becoming the nation’s 41st president, the World War II veteran served two terms as President Ronald Reagan’s vice president.

He spent years working under Presidents Nixon and Ford as U.N. ambassador, head of the Republican Party, envoy to China and director of the CIA.A

Among the tributes pouring in around the world were those from former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

“George H.W. Bush’s life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. And he did tremendous good along the journey,” Obama said in a statement.

Clinton, who defeated Bush in the 1992 presidential election, said, “I am grateful for every minute I spent with him and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts.”

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on Twitter and in an official White House statement.

“Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family. His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!”

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1068826073775964160

Bush turned 94 in June and became the first U.S president to reach that age.

His death comes less than eight months after his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, passed away in April. The former president was hospitalized a day after her funeral for an infection in his bloodstream according to CBS News.