[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 52 (Monday, January 1, 2007)]
[Page 2209]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Death of Former President Gerald R. Ford From Crawford, 
Texas

December 27, 2006

    My fellow Americans, all of us are saddened by the news that former 
President Gerald R. Ford passed away last night. I spoke with Betty 
Ford. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I extend to Mrs. Ford and 
all President Ford's family our prayers and our condolences.
    President Ford was a great man who devoted the best years of his 
life in serving the United States. He was a true gentleman who reflected 
the best in America's character. Before the world knew his name, he 
served with distinction in the United States Navy and in the United 
States Congress.
    As a Congressman from Michigan and then as Vice President, he 
commanded the respect and earned the good will of all who had the 
privilege of knowing him. On August 9th, 1974, he stepped into the 
Presidency without ever having sought the office. He assumed power in a 
period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing 
and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came 
along when we needed him most.
    During his time in office, the American people came to know 
President Ford as a man of complete integrity who led our country with 
common sense and kind instincts.
    Americans will always admire Gerald Ford's unflinching performance 
of duty and the honorable conduct of his administration and the great 
rectitude of the man himself. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and 
our 38th President will always have a special place in our Nation's 
memory.
    President Ford lived 93 years, and his life was a blessing to 
America. And now this fine man will be taken to his rest by a family 
that will love him always and by a nation that will be grateful to him 
forever.
    May God bless Gerald Ford.

Note: The President spoke at 6:56 a.m. at the Bush Ranch. The Office of 
the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these 
remarks.