Bush calls Ford 'a great American'

With his quiet integrity, commonsense and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency, Bush said.

President George W Bush issued a statement on Tuesday night in response to the death of former President Gerald Ford.

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"Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R Ford. He was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country," the president said.

On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as vice president, Ford assumed the presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division.

With his quiet integrity, commonsense and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency, Bush said.

"The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th president will always have a special place in our nation's memory," the US president said.

On behalf of all Americans, Bush and First Lady Laura offered their deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family.