Dick Cheney… one of the most influential and controversial Republican power players in modern U.S. politics… has passed away at the age of 84.
Cheney’s family confirmed that he died Monday evening due to complications connected to pneumonia along with cardiac and vascular illness. Loved ones say he was surrounded by his wife Lynne, whom he was married to for 61 years, along with their daughters Liz and Mary and other close family members.
Cheney spent decades shaping Washington policy before ultimately serving as vice president under President George W. Bush… a period where he became one of the strongest and most dominant vice-presidential forces in U.S. history.
Prior to that, he led the Pentagon as Secretary of Defense, served as White House Chief of Staff, and represented Wyoming in Congress.
His family honored his life in a heartfelt statement, calling him “a great and good man” who inspired his children and grandchildren with “courage, honor, love, kindness… and a lifelong love of fly fishing.” They added: “We are immeasurably grateful that we loved, and were loved by, such a noble giant of a man.”
Cheney’s imprint on national politics, foreign policy, and conservative power will remain felt for generations.
