Ronald Reagan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 5, 2004.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Ronald Reagan, the cheerful crusader who devoted his presidency to winning the Cold War, trying to scale back government and making people believe it was "morning again in America," died Saturday after a long twilight struggle with Alzheimer's disease, a family friend said. He was 93.



He died at his home in California, according to the friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity.



The White House was told his health had taken a turn for the worse in the last several days.



Five years after leaving office, the nation's 40th president told the world in November 1994 that he had been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's, an incurable illness that destroys brain cells. He said he had begun "the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life."



Reagan body was expected to be taken to his presidential library and museum in Simi Valley, Calif., and then flown to Washington to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. His funeral was expected to be at the National Cathedral, an event likely to draw world leaders. The body was to be returned to California for a sunset burial at his library.



Reagan lived longer than any U.S. president, spending his last decade in the shrouded seclusion wrought by his disease, tended by his wife, Nancy, whom he called Mommy, and the select few closest to him. Now, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton are the surviving ex-presidents.



Although fiercely protective of Reagan's privacy, the former first lady let people know his mental condition had deteriorated terribly. Last month, she said: "Ronnie's long journey has finally taken him to a distant place where I can no longer reach him."



Reagan's oldest daughter, Maureen, from his first marriage, died in August 2001 at age 60 from cancer. Three other children survive: Michael, from his first marriage, and Patti Davis and Ron from his second.



Over two terms, from 1981 to 1989, Reagan reshaped the Republican Party in his conservative image, fixed his eye on the demise of the Soviet Union and Eastern European communism and tripled the national debt to $3 trillion in his singleminded competition with the other superpower.



Taking office at age 69, Reagan had already lived a career outside Washington, one that spanned work as a radio sports announcer, an actor, a television performer, a spokesman for the General Electric Co., and a two-term governor of California.



At the time of his retirement, his very name suggested a populist brand of conservative politics that still inspires the Republican Party.



He declared at the outset, "Government is not the solution, it's the problem," although reducing that government proved harder to do in reality than in his rhetoric.



Even so, he challenged the status quo on welfare and other programs that had put government on a growth spurt ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal strengthened the federal presence in the lives of average Americans.



In foreign affairs, he built the arsenals of war while seeking and achieving arms control agreements with the Soviet Union.



In his second term, Reagan was dogged by revelations that he authorized secret arms sales to Iran while seeking Iranian aid to gain release of American hostages held in Lebanon. Some of the money was used to aid rebels fighting the leftist government of Nicaragua.



Despite the ensuing investigations, he left office in 1989 with the highest popularity rating of any retiring president in the history of modern-day public opinion polls.



That reflected, in part, his uncommon ability as a communicator and his way of connecting with ordinary Americans, even as his policies infuriated the left and as his simple verities made him the butt of jokes. "Morning again in America" became his re-election campaign mantra in 1984, but typified his appeal to patriotrism through both terms.



At 69, Reagan was the oldest man ever elected president when he was chosen on Nov. 4, 1980, by an unexpectedly large margin over incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter.



Near-tragedy struck on his 70th day as president. On March 30, 1981, Reagan was leaving a Washington hotel after addressing labor leaders when a young drifter, John Hinckley, fired six shots at him. A bullet lodged an inch from Reagan's heart, but he recovered.



Four years later he was re-elected by an even greater margin, carrying 49 of the 50 states in defeating Democrat Walter F. Mondale, Carter's vice president.


Copyright © 2004 The Associated Press

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9581 Entries

October 14, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

April 19, 2020

Luff Spencer

Dear Ronald Reagan family sorry lost Ronald Reagan RIP Ronald Reagan

April 15, 2020

alexandra matterson

so many years you have been gone still so sad this country needs you more than ever RIP my friend always in my heart God bless you and the first lady

July 18, 2019

Acquaintance

Jimmy Crawley

To the Reagan Family's...So sorry for your lost.. May God be a God of all Comfort and he continues to down to this day to Comfort the Family's...My Condolences...To an actor and president..

December 28, 2018

Lisa Murrey Ransom

R.ESPECTED
O.UTSTANDING
N.URTURING
A.UTHENTIC
L.EGENDARY
D.EVOTED HIS TIME TO MAKING AMERICA A BETTER, MORE PEACEFUL PLACE.

R.EMARKABLE
E.XCEPTIONAL
A.DMIRED
G.ENUINE
A.LWAYS KIND AND LOVING
N.EVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN.

I WAS A CHILD WHEN YOU WERE PRESIDENT, BUT IF I COULD'VE, I WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR YOU. YOU WERE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE MY FAVORITE PRESIDENT.

YOU WERE A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH, YOU MADE THE WORLD A MORE PEACEFUL PLACE, AND THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, AND DEVOTION YOU HAD FOR PEOPLE WAS BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING ,AND ENOUGH.

A WONDROUS WONDER, THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE, YOU SHINED BRIGHTER THAN ANY STAR.

REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE.

NEVER GONE, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

June 7, 2018

Richard Herrick

Ronald Reagan meeting me worked in the Goodwill Ind. Santa Ana, CA October of 1966. Reagan for Governor

May 9, 2018

Thomas & Libby Widgeon

Sorry For Your Loss!
Jesus Loves Me!

April 20, 2018

Shari Watkins

Remembering your great love story today and always.

April 16, 2018

george turner

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

June 5, 2017

Harry Simpson

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Rest Ronald, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

June 5, 2017

Eugen STEINBACH

Rest in Peace !

March 12, 2017

Brennen Garcia

I will missed you. Rest in Peace.

September 19, 2016

Chuck Hepler

President Reagan, we need your kind of leadership back in the White House. You are missed as the optimistic and visionary leader that loved America. We know that you wanted to get the best out of each one of us. You were amazing that you had the gift to talk directly to the American people. I was a teenager in your first term and I was proud to vote for you in 1984. You are my political hero and I believe you're one of the greatest Presidents of the 20th Century. Reagan 2016!

June 30, 2016

Valenda Newell

MANY BLESSINGS and PRAYERS to FAMILY and FRIENDS

May 11, 2016

Nikea Griffin

Dear mr. Reagan. So sad of your loss and you are not suffering no more. You will be sadly missed and so is your wife.

March 12, 2016

Alice Guckian Queen

March 12, 2016

Alice Guckian Queen

My prayers go out to the family of Nancy Regan . SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL LADY .She will be missed by her family. GOD Bless you all.@ Ronald- God bless them both.

March 12, 2016

Melanie Wheaton and family

March 7, 2016

Allison Dupont

May you Rest in Peace, Mr. President. Your precious wife (First Lady) and Eternal love, Mrs. Nancy, has now joined you in Heaven.

March 7, 2016

Gerald nicholoff

rip Ron ur Nancy is with u in heaven rip Nancy ur with Ron love u two with my heart

February 16, 2015

Dylan Lee

It's good that the president did all he could to stop the Cold War .He did the best job he could do. so do not forget Ronald Reagon.

October 14, 2014

I Dearly Miss The Days When Ronald Reagan Was Running Our Country. He And Those Days Were Pure Americana.

Dave Williams

August 28, 2014

David Fontaine

Thank you for being strong -I will in the military in Germany in 1976-1979 and I saw the Cold War in action - the training to deploy all the US troops during that time was crazy and I thank you for your unconditional work you have done to make it real ----rest in peace David M Fontaine

August 17, 2014

Randall Dykstra

We need you now sir, just to put us on the right track,I hope someday to see you in heaven dear friend

June 5, 2014

Woodrow McNair

I was sad at the passing of our President and look back, ten years later, at how much he has been missed in life and as our nation's leader.

December 16, 2013

LeAnne Zephro

RONALD REAGAN'S ULIGEE
History will record his worth as a leader. We have long since measured his worth as a man. Those of us who knew him will have no trouble imagining his paradise. Golden fields will spread beneath a western sky. Live oats will shadow the rolling hillsides. And, some place flowing from years long past a river will wind towards the sea. He will let the river carry him over the shining stones. He will rest in the shade of the trees. Our cares are no longer his. We meet him now only in memory.
Mr. Reagan's grandmother and my Grandfathers grandmother were sisters.
God Bless You All!

November 25, 2013

Frederick W. Frank

Rest Peacefully, Mr. President, and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. When America needed a strong, reassuring leader, YOU answered Her call! My two favorite Presidents, while of different parties and supposedly,different ideologies, were of the same LEADERSHIP mold, one that restored our confidence AND MADE US PROUD TO BE AMERICANS. God Bless Kennedy, Reagan, and America!

November 2, 2013

Why did he have to be taken from us. He was the best President we've had in all my life - and that's a long time! Our Nation was truly blessed to have had him as our Leader!
Bruce & Ila May

October 6, 2013

Ed & Adel Vergara

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

September 2, 2013

Thompson Forbes

President Reagan was the best president this nation has every had in modern times.

May 30, 2013

still today the best president we have had in our times. wish we had him now. rest in peace Mr. President.

May 29, 2013

TO MRS REGEAN WAS ONE THE GREATEST PRESIDENTS OF OUR TIME I KNOW ITS BEEN ALMOST 10YRS SINCE HIS PASSING BUT THERE HAS NOTBEEN A DAY GONE BY THAT SOMEWHERE ACROSS AMERICA THAT SOMEONE DOES NOT THINK OF HIM AND HOW GOOD WE HAD IT WE ALL OUR LOVE WE MISS HIM GREATLY GOD BLESS YOU PATTYMIKE AND RON JR AND GRANDKIDS AND GREATGRANDKIDS

May 26, 2013

Bruce Hawkins

One day as I left for work, my wife stopped me and said let's pray. As we prayed, I asked God to protect President Reagan. It was the first time I had ever prayed for a president. Less than one hour later, President Reagan was shot! I'm glad we prayed - you were my favorite president of the 20th century! Bruce banjohawk Hawkins

April 25, 2013

You Were My second farovitive president and my family love you as president and say hello to my uncle floyd while you are talking to him and i was little when they shot you and i remember when you said mr grobev tear down this wall back in 1989

April 12, 2013

jordan burdg

jordan allen burdg

December 28, 2012

You always been my man since your presidency. You really influenced me a lot and learned about you. I wanted to thank you for calling my grandmother, and called few places for me just because you care. Thank you, Dutch and Gipper.

December 19, 2012

I often think about you. Your were the first President I ever voted for and the greatest President ever. Rest in Peace!

November 24, 2012

John Ramsey

Mr. President, this nation needs your services again

November 8, 2012

Mary Archer

Since 8th grade, when I did a report on Ronald Reagan, I have followed this guest book, reading new entries as they're written.
It is now two years after I have finished high school. Still, I am glad to have subscribed.

November 6, 2012

To Ronald Regan,
I thought you were a great president. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Lisa Weiner

September 5, 2012

Carolyn

God bless you "GIPPER". You were and always will be the best president we ever had! Others could take a lesson from you.

"Trust But Verify". You will never be forgotten.

August 6, 2012

we love you

July 4, 2012

charlie partridge

Mr.reagan was and always be my faverot president.rest in peace sir and thank you

July 1, 2012

Barbara

You will always be the best president.
My sympathy to the family

April 26, 2012

Ronald Reagan was a great president. To the Reagam family sincere sympathy.
Sincerely,
Mahoney Family

February 19, 2012

K. L. Peterson Palacios, Texas

February 10, 2012

DEBBIE

January 24, 2012

Slade Murphy

To The Reagan Family:

The broken cord

We little knew that morning that God
Was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone;
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide;
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same;
But as God calls us, one by one,
The Chain will link again.

May God Bless Your Family

January 24, 2012

JOHN O. GOFF

A NICE PERSON,A FINE ACTOR,A GREAT GOVERNOR AND
ONE OF OUR FINEST PRESIDENT'S....IN EVERY ELECTION YOUR NAME IS STILL MENTIONED, AND ALWAYS QUOTED.
I SALUTE YOUR SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO YOUR COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESS. A JOB WELL DONE.

December 8, 2011

Grady Youngblood

I think Ronald Reagan True Christian
President of USA.

September 12, 2011

Linda Franklin

August 24, 2011

gary olson

he was true president in my life time he held our country together and made it strong we need someone like him now

August 7, 2011

Dear Mr President u were the best truly a beautiful caring person inside and out God Bless u always

July 1, 2011

Wayne Mercer

Ronald Reagan inspired a generation of people around the world with his vision and infectious belief in people driving his optimism about the future. May God bless Nancy.

June 28, 2011

YOU WERE THE BEST PRESIDENT WE HAD SINCE PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

June 22, 2011

Keri Nowling

President Reagan,We Love,Admire,And Miss You,But You Will Never Be Forgotten!.

June 12, 2011

JOHNarnetsr ARNET

THE BEST US PRESIDENT IN MY LIFETIME. I GO BACK TO FDR

June 3, 2011

Doug George

President Reagan was the best president of my lifetime.
Plus, the obvious love between him and his wife, Nancy Reagan, should be an inspiration to romantics everywhere. Anyone who saw the loving look they would give to the other as he or she was speaking publicly would know the true 'look of love'.
May God rest his soul and give him true peace and continued happiness.

April 5, 2011

todd chester

peace through power we miss you MR PRESIDENT GOD BLESS YOU todd chester millcreek wa.

March 28, 2011

Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas

My favorite U.S. President!
May your Memory Be Eternal!

March 19, 2011

Facinating

March 19, 2011

February 14, 2011:
Mr President Reagan YOU were my hero. Our memories of you are so vivid in our hearts and prayers.
Marsha and JR Dominici, Phoenix

February 14, 2011

Mary LeBlanc

Happy Birthday Mr. President.

February 12, 2011

Grady Youngblood

Have a Greatest 100th Birthday on Presidents Day to Ronald Reagan.

February 9, 2011

Robert Jackson

Happy Birthday Mr. President.

February 6, 2011

Frances

Happy 100th birthday

February 3, 2011

Grady Youngblood

President Ronald Reagan has Great Faith in Jesus Christ

January 1, 2011

cindy Ritter

to the reagan family,
sorry to hear about ronald reagan's
death!!he was a good man and a great
president! he had streight and good
will for the nation!
he will be missed greatly!

December 6, 2010

Michael Di Sano

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

November 17, 2010

robert cook

to the family of mr reagan, my deepest sympathy. he was truly a great man in every sense. he is missed and he is respected to this day. god bless his soul and you his family. robert m cook m.d. dayton ohio

October 27, 2010

Jessica Merchant

You were the best president in the whole worl

October 16, 2010

Brenda

September 19, 2010

Wanda Faye Tripp

A Powerful man and President. He leaves a void in our lives. Who could ever follow in his steps? He was like a family member in our home. He is in our thougts so often.

September 14, 2010

beka jackson

you were a true american.wow actor to president of the united states,thats great!! u were a sweet kind man i will always remember u.

August 11, 2010

IN REMEMBERENCES OF A GREAT MAN IN MY LIFE . BOY COULD WE USE ANOTHER ONE OF YOU AGAIN DEEPEST RESPECT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.RON NORTH CAROLINA

May 27, 2010

Raymond Silvestre

April 2, 2010

For you, Mr. President

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

February 6, 2010

Frances

Happy 99th birthday President Reagan.

October 6, 2009

[email protected] /Joe Fazio

For you, Mr President...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio

September 12, 2009

Cathy

Remembering one of the greatest presidents of all time.

June 5, 2009

Frances

Remembering Pres. Reagan on the 5th anniversary of his death. I will always love, respect and remember this great man. I am sure Mrs. Reagan is remembering her "Ronnie" today.

March 5, 2009

Myrna I. Alvarez

MYRNA i ALVAREZ-OJEDA

March 1, 2009

One of the most honorable men I have ever known. A true statesman.

February 4, 2009

Richard H. Herrick

July 10, 2008

John Earles

Mr. President, Thank you for inspiring us and for teaching all of us that we can do more than we ever imagined.

July 10, 2008

Mary Jeffers

In memory of former President Ronald Reagan:
You were deeply admired as a President and actor. You did some great works for America and I enjoyed watching you in "They died with Their Boots On" with the late Errol Flynn. You left a great legacy and Senator Obama has some of your attributes if the voters will give him a chance to prove himself. May Nancy be encouraged to carry on in your absence.

July 9, 2008

Steve King

Mr. President, as the leader of our nation during my formative years, you inspired me to achieve greatness. Our nation is dearly needing someone like you to bring us together without sacrificing their principles. Thank you.

July 9, 2008

HB TOWNSEND

It was an honor serving under this great man. I will always remember my Commander and Chief. He cared about his men in uniform and we all received the respect he fondly gave us. Semper Fidelis USMC VET 1984-1988.

July 9, 2008

dawn summerall

to a man that so loved the world and how WE THE PEOPLE were still the AMERICAN WAY i miss you my friend god bless you

July 6, 2008

lois miner

Just Wanted You To Know That Our Granddaughter Is Named After Him. Just Maybe She Will Be Or I Am Sure Do Wonderful Things For This Great Country.

July 5, 2008

melinda

As the elections for President are drawing closer, it makes one reflect on what a great President you were, no one will ever compare to you.

July 5, 2008

A. W. Moffat

As a member Treas. Dept's Secret Service Bureau. It was a personal honor to "cover your six". In a heartbeat, Mr. President, my life for yours.

July 5, 2008

amanda lawson

ronald reagan

Everything has been said that needs to be said. You will live in our hearts and live as a hero to American freedom forever.

June 12, 2008

Maria Noussis Trump Nicholson Sheldon Hart

Thank you

June 5, 2008

Frances

4 years ago today the greatest American President ever left this world. What a wonderful man he was. I miss him and honor his duty to this country. Ronald Reagan will always be a man Americans can look up to and aspire to be like. I miss you very much and know that today Nancy is thinking of you with fond memories and love. You will always be the Greatest American President and I will always love and admire you.

May 16, 2008

Elaine Kimrey YOUNG

PRESIDENT REAGAN WAS LIKE A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY. THE MOST WONDERFUL PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY. I CRIED UNTIL I COULD NOT CRY ANYMORE.

FONDLY, ELAINE K. YOUNG

April 28, 2008

Mary Curreri

I worked at AT&T in Sunnyvale, CA Pres. to be Ronald Reagan came and got a tour of our new building, he had lunch with our CEO, then he came outside and addressed the employees, I was lucky to be able to see him several times that day. God Bless his family with peace and love for each other as life is so short.
My last name at that time was Snodgrass.

April 21, 2008

Beverly Roberts

Let all of the family be at peace now - God Bless You All

You are so safe with the Lord

April 7, 2008

christen shaughnessy

he was a good president

March 18, 2008

MICHAEL R. DUENOW

R.I.P.

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