Dick Cheney lived a quintessential American life, rising from modest circumstances to serve his nation in four presidential administrations, first as an aide in his early 30s, the youngest White House chief of staff at age 34, and later secretary of defense and vice president. Between these were ten years in the House of Representatives — an institution he revered — where he became part of his party’s leadership in his very first term.
It was my honor to get to know him well during the President George W. Bush administration and to work with him. He was plain-spoken and direct, a man of candor with a keen mind and a low-key demeanor. He loved his country, his teenage sweetheart who became his wife and life-long confidant, his children and grandchildren, and public service. Having grown up in a modest home in Casper, Wyo., he enjoyed few things more than fly fishing or bird hunting with friends, of whom he had many.
His values were those of the great American West: duty, service to others, and honor. He always strove to do what he felt was right for his country and its people, no matter the political or personal downsides. He was both a good and great man who revered the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the great story of our nation’s history. He is mourned especially by those fortunate enough to have known and worked with him. May God bless and comfort his family and receive Richard Bruce Cheney home.