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Barbara Bush 'set an example,' former Washington Sen. Gorton says

Former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton of Washington served during the Bush administration and knew the first lady well.
Former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton of Washington.

Former Washington Sen. Slade Gorton, who served during the first Bush administration, said former First Lady Barbara Bush brought a smile to everyone around her.

“She was so very outgoing, and she was also very strong,” Gorton said Tuesday. “Barbara Bush was the rock of the Bush family. Even though a husband and a son were president, she was the center of the family. She set high goals for them and saw to it that they lived up to them.”

Bush died Tuesday in her Houston home after deciding not to continue medical care for a life threatening illness.

Gorton says his late wife, Sally Gorton, got to know the former First Lady through social events, and the two became fast friends.

“The two of them just hit it off almost from the first time they met,” said Gorton. “I think part of it was Barbara had such a very outgoing personality and was easy to like. Sally was the same way. Barbara Bush had many friends like that, but she would come across a room when we were at a large party together to greet Sally. Maybe incidentally me, but mostly Sally.”

Beloved by political leaders across both sides of the aisle, Bush is remembered for not only her warmth but as a force, lovingly nicknamed “the enforcer” by her family.

“She set high standards, and no one wanted to disappoint her by not meeting them,” recalled Gorton.

A partner in her husband’s long career in public service, Bush is also known for her devotion to working on literacy, starting a non-profit with the goal of empowering families through literacy.

Related: Barbara Bush's lasting impact on Seattle childcare non-profit

“Her work improved the lives of countless children around the nation,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., tweeted Tuesday night.

Gorton also noted her commitment to strengthening families.

“She wanted to do what she could to encourage people high and low, from all across the country from every kind of background to be members of strong families,” he said.

While Gorton recalls the political climate during that time as still being tough, at times very divisive, he says the personal relationships were markedly better.

Bush was one reason why.

“She set an example of how people can disagree on issues and still get along well and appreciate one another,” he said. “That's a lesson we need to re-learn.”

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