AP News, December 27th, 2006
President Bush on Tuesday night called the late President Ford a "great American" who helped heal the nation after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal.
"The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character and the honorable conduct of his administration," Bush said in a statement from his Texas ranch where he is spending the week. "We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th president will always have a special place in our nation's memory."
Bush expressed his personal condolences in a phone call with former first lady Betty Ford. He is scheduled to make a statement at 8 a.m. EST Wednesday at his ranch.
White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten notified Bush about Ford's death shortly before 11 p.m. EST. Bolten had been called a short time before by Ford's chief of staff.
"President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country," Bush said.
On Aug. 9, 1974, after a long career in the House and service as vice president, Ford assumed the presidency "in an hour of national turmoil and division," Bush said.
"With his quiet integrity, common sense and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency."
Deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel said funeral arrangements are being handled by Ford's family. The president is scheduled to return to Washington on Jan. 1, but he would attend the funeral, Stanzel said.
"On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family," Bush said. "Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead."
