Tributes for former US president George H.W. Bush

Here are excerpts of messages from the worlds of politics, business and Hollywood:

- 'Best dad' -

"George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for."

-- his son, former president George W. Bush

- 'Faith, family and country' -

"Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service."

-- US President Donald Trump

- An unlikely friendship -

"I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life's greatest gifts."

-- former US president Bill Clinton, who defeated Bush in the 1992 election

- 'True partner' -

"We had the chance to work together during the time of enormous changes. And this was a dramatic time which called for huge responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and the arms race... He was a true partner."

-- former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev

- 'Noble, joyous calling' -

"George H.W. Bush's life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. (...) It's a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he'd want all of us to try."

-- former US president Barack Obama

- 'Example to us all' -

"President George H.W. Bush's ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all. (...) Today Britain remembers a great statesman and a true friend of our country."

-- British Prime Minister Theresa May

- 'Lifelong friend' -

"I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep down decent people I have ever known."

-- former British prime minister John Major

- 'We will never forget' -

"In 1989, at a time of upheaval and challenges, when the blocs were staggering and the decades-long confrontation was beginning to crumble, he bravely seized the opportunity to end the Cold War. He is among the architects of German unity. We will never forget that."

-- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

- Strong backer of US-Europe alliance -

"He was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe. Our sympathy to his family and beloved ones."

-- French President Emmanuel Macron

- 'One last flight' -

"President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara."

-- Hollywood action hero and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

- 'Great American' -

"We have lost a great American. Service defined President George H.W. Bush's life, and he taught all of us about leadership, sacrifice and decency."

-- Apple CEO Tim Cook