Bush bids farewell to Cheney: 'A patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness'

Former President George W. Bush said goodbye with an emotional letter to the man who was his right-hand man during his eight years at the helm of the White House. His vice president, Dick Cheney, died Tuesday at 84 after suffering complications from pneumonia and a cardiovascular disease he suffered from.

"The death of Richard B. Cheney is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends," Bush wrote. "Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held."

In his brief, Bush also described Cheney as "a calm and steady" person and one who gave "honest, forthright counsel." Conditions he saw in a person he trusted with important responsibilities at a time when the country was facing "great national challenges."

Moreover, the former president recalled how he realized that Cheney was the right man to be his running mate.

"I asked him to join my ticket in 2000 after first enlisting him to help me find the best running mate. In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should have – deep experience, mature judgment, character, loyalty – I realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. I’m still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed," Bush said.

The former president ended his letter by sending his condolences to Cheney's wife Lynne and his children and grandchildren.