The words spoken about the late former President George H. W. Bush at his first funeral service Wednesday once again brought to light the dignity and humanity of one of the nation’s most beloved and respected leaders.

The service was full of wonderful memories, meaningful laughter and well-deserved tears.

At 94, when Bush died, his life as a man who cared for his country above political greatness and re-election to a second term, which he did not win, served as a reminder that the call of leadership is to be a servant.

His poise, determination and willingness to work across political aisles for the sake of the people seems to be achingly missing in an era in which divisions and showboating dominate the national political scene.

Former Sen. Alan Simpson hailed his old friend as a man of humility, a commodity the Wyoming Republican said is rare today in the nation’s capital.

Simpson remembered Bush accepting a 1990 bipartisan budget deal that included a tax increase, despite his campaign pledge to not raise taxes. He said Bush said, “OK, go for it, but it will be a real punch in the gut.” Simpson said “his own party turned on him” for that, contributing to his 1992 re-election defeat.

While Bush lost the election, Simpson said the budget the former president agreed to set in place brought important funding for services Americans need and enjoy. He was willing to accept the consequences, noting the good of the country was more important than his political status.

“He never hated anyone,” Simpson said. “He knew what his mother and my mother always knew: Hatred corrodes the container it’s carried in.”

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney praised Bush as a strong world leader who helped oversee the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union and was responsible for the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. He also noted NAFTA created the largest and richest free trade area in the history of the world and was recently modernized and improved by new administrations.

“When George Bush was president of the United States of America, every single head of government in the world knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one who was distinguished, resolute and brief,” Mulroney said.

The most touching moment of the eulogies in Washington came from George W. Bush, who extolled his father not only for his service as president but also as a role model as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

The elder Bush was known throughout his career for maintaining a meaningful family life. The warmth, generosity and humor of the former president was evident throughout Wednesday’s service.

So many accomplishments came not only from his administration, but others years of service in the federal government and dating back to his role in World War II.

As time moves forward, the legacy of Bush will be his leadership, which was defined by respecting and working with others who carried different political views. So many good things came from his time that leaders around the world maintained a relationship with him until the end of his life.

George H.W. Bush put his country above personal gain, ego and rivalry. The best tribute to Bush, beyond the honest, moving words spoken at his eulogy, is to follow the selfless example he lived as an American leader.

On Thursday, Bush will be laid to rest in Texas at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum next to his loving wife Barbara, who died in April, and their daughter, Robin, who died at age 3 in 1953.

Rest In Peace, President Bush, and thank you for making America better for all of us.

— The Cullman Times