Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies

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(The Center Square) – Dick Cheney, vice president to former President George W. Bush, has died. He was 84.

His family was with him Monday evening and said the cause of death was due to complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease.

Cheney served as the 46th vice president, often being referred to as the “most powerful vice president” in U.S. history. He played a key role in fighting the “war on terror,” including the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

“His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed,” his family said in a statement. “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.”

Cheney served as vice president from 2001-09. Prior to serving as vice president, he had a long history in Washington, D.C., where he served as President Gerald Ford’s chief of staff from 1975-77. Cheney went on to represent Wyoming in the House of Representatives from 1979-89.

After leaving Congress, Cheney served as President George H.W. Bush’s secretary of defense from 1989-93, overseeing the first Gulf War.

In recent years, the former vice president became an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign against Trump.

He had endorsed Trump during his first presidential bid in 2016.

Cheney was born in Lincoln, Neb., in 1941, and married his wife, Lynne, in 1964. The couple had two daughters, Liz and Mary. Liz served in Congress, also representing Wyoming.

His family praised the former vice president for his contributions to the country.

“We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country,” the family said in the statement. "And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man."