Former President George H.W. Bush’s legacy as the patriarch of a political family includes another former president, a former governor, and a Texas state official.
But it was his role as “Gampy,” the beloved grandfather of 17 grandchildren, that three of his grandchildren memorialized Saturday.
Grandson George P. Bush lovingly described his grandfather on Twitter, complete with family photos of the younger and elder Georges at the White House, posing in a hug, and at a baseball game.
Bush, the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush who was elected Texas Land Commissioner in 2015, called his grandfather “the greatest man I ever knew.”
My grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew. His life spanned the American Century—he fought in World War II … took part in the Texas oil boom … served out a distinguished career in public service including serving as president during the final days of the Cold War. pic.twitter.com/6i68EPVC3j
— George P. Bush (@georgepbush) December 1, 2018
The former president died Friday evening at the age of 94, and is survived by two brothers, five children, 17 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
“But to me, he will always be Gampy. The man who taught me to fish in Maine, to throw a horseshoe and to swing a baseball bat lefty,” the younger Bush wrote on Twitter.
He was more than a great man; he was a good man. His courage was matched by his compassion; and his dedication to country was equaled only by his devotion to his family. Gampy, we love you and we will miss you. But we will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/n7uFwO6xxw
— George P. Bush (@georgepbush) December 1, 2018
Jenna Bush Hagar, daughter of former president George W. Bush, offered her own tribute Saturday, posting pictures of herself and twin Barbara posing with their grandfather recently and as children to Instagram.
“Waking up missing this giant of a man who gave me everything,” she wrote. “He taught me and my family about service, family, decency, the power of gentle words and a beautiful heart. I will miss him desperately but so happy he and my Grandmother are back together.”
Bush Hagar also posted a political cartoon depicting her grandparents and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia at the age of 3 and recounted asking her grandfather about the afterlife.
“I used to be afraid. I used to be scared of dying. I used to worry about death. But now, in some ways, I look forward to it,” she wrote he responded.
She said she then asked why. “And he said, ‘Well, when I die, I’m going to be reunited with these people that I’ve lost,'” she wrote.
Hagar Bush was joined by George P. Bush’s brother, Jeb Bush Jr., in missing her grandfather. Bush Jr. also posted a tribute to Twitter, saying “Nothing gave my Gampy more joy than service to others.”
“His leadership taught us to be kinder and gentler, to love each other. We will miss him dearly,” Bush Jr. wrote.
Nothing gave my Gampy more joy than service to others, especially supporting and caring for those who risk making the ultimate sacrifice everyday. His leadership taught us to be kinder and gentler, to love each other. We will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/i2iR5U3ikc
— Jeb Bush, Jr. (@JebBushJr) December 1, 2018
