PRESS RELEASES 2006 

U.S. Embassy Mourns Loss of Former President Gerald R. Ford

December 28, 2006 

The Embassy of the United States of America in Lebanon mourns the loss of Former President Gerald Ford, who died December 26, 2006 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 93.

Praising Ford as “a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country,” President Bush issued a statement expressing his sympathies to Ford’s family, mourning the loss of a leader known for his “devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration.”

The only individual elevated to the U.S. presidency without having been elected either to that office or the vice presidency, Ford served during a tumultuous period of increasing partisan and ideological divides, when Congress challenged many presidential prerogatives and attempted to assert greater control of the direction and substance of U.S. foreign policy.

“With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the Presidency,” President Bush said.

The former president is survived by his wife; three sons, Michael, Jack and Steven; and a daughter, Susan; as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

For those who wish to extend their condolences, a condolence book will be made available for signature at the Embassy's main gate, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. until Friday January 12th.

For more information about Former U.S. President Gerald Ford, visit the following link http://usinfo.state.gov/is/Gerald_Ford_A_Tribute.html