Former Zanesville Mayor Remembers George H.W. Bush

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Former President George H.W. Bush will be remembered by many as a patriot and family man.

Former Mayor of Zanesville, Don Mason, spoke with us about his experience meeting Bush. Several times in the late 1980’s Mason had the opportunity to meet with Bush, initially as Vice President, where he helped out with Bush’s campaign. Mason was also invited for a meeting at the White House in 1990, where Bush spoke about encouraging young people to stay active in government and public service. Mason said that when Bush spoke he always made a connection.

“He had a way, whether it was in the locker room with a lot of people, or the Roosevelt Room where it was more one on one but obviously there was staff and people in the area. You just always felt that he was making a connection with each individual there,” Mason said.

Mason expressed how saddened he was to hear about Bush’s passing, and says he praises Bush for his remarks in his last interviews with his granddaughter.

“I liked the fact how he doesn’t believe in legacies, he knows that history will be kind to him in some degrees, and perhaps not so kind in others. But I think what we all have to recognize is he always did his best. And we can only judge a person by how they try to do their best,” Mason added.

George H.W. Bush’s funeral service will take place on Wednesday, at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.