Former US President George HW Bush dies at age 94

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said German unification in 1990 would "not have been possible without the trust and friendship" of the United States and Bush, who died on Friday aged 94.

Family members and United States political leaders are mourning the death of former president George HW Bush, paying tribute to the political patriarch on social media.

January made 25 years since president George Herbert Walker Bush left office, and this museum will forever serve as memorial and tribute to his impressive political career, his devotion to family and his lifelong public service before, during and after the presidency.

FILE - In this October 29, 1991, file photo, President George H.W. Bush gestures during a joint news conference with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, at the Soviet Embassy in Madrid.

"President Bush's calmness, leadership and close personal relationships with Helmut Kohl and Mikhail Gorbachev were decisive in restoring peace and freedom back to so many people across our Continent".

The son of a wealthy Republican US Senator, Bush served in the second World War and was elected to two terms in the US Congress in the 1960's.

Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, released a joint statement, saying, "Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling".

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said "Texans are genuinely honored that he called the Lone Star State home and we collectively grieve this monumental loss".

Former U.S. president George H.W. Bush arrives for the coin toss prior to Super Bowl 51 between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Tex.

Former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and his father George H.W. Bush attend a function on board the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier off the coast of ME, on June 10, 2012.

He flew 58 combat missions and was shot down over the Pacific by Japanese anti-aircraft fire.

Bush wasn't well enough to attend the event, so Mulroney paid the former president a visit at home before the ceremony.

He graduated from Yale in 1948 with a degree in Economics.

Indeed, the world envisioned by the 41st president threatens to fray under the challenge of a president whose brash, bombastic style is the polar opposite to that of the dignified, patrician Bush, and whose attention is focused on America first. There's a mock situation room where you can make critical decisions, as President Bush did before the Gulf War in the early 90's. [My wife, Raisa, and I] "deeply appreciated the attention, kindness and simplicity typical of George and Barbara Bush, as well as the rest of their large, friendly family".

President Richard Nixon became Bush's mentor, appointing him Ambassador to the United Nations in 1970.