George W. Bush honors his father as an 'empathetic man' who 'valued character over pedigree'

Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday honored his father, the late former President George H.W. Bush, as a great American president who led the country with "dignity and honor," but especially as the "best father a son or a daughter could have."

Bush delivered the eulogy at his father's funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral. He opened by observing that in life, "the idea is to die young as late as possible," remembering his father's adventurous spirit. "As he aged, he taught us how to grow with dignity, humor, and kindness," Bush said. Bush observed that his father was always "in constant motion," though he was "never too busy to share his life with those around him."

The former president went on to say that his father was a genuinely "optimistic" and "empathetic" man who "looked for the good in each person, and he usually found it." The 41st president, Bush pointed out, found himself forming an unlikely friendship with the man who defeated him after one term, Bill Clinton, with Bush noting that he taught him to "never be defined by failure."

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Bush predicted that history will remember his father as a great president, who "showed me what it means to be a president who leads with integrity." But more than anything, he said he's grateful that his "decency, sincerity, and kind soul will stay with us forever." Now, Bush said, his father will be reunited with the love of his life, former first lady Barbara Bush, who died in April, and with his daughter Robin, who died at age three. "In our grief, I just smile knowing that dad is hugging Robin, and holding mom's hand again," he said. Watch Bush's full eulogy below. Brendan Morrow