george herbert walker bush (june 12, 1924 – november 30, 2018) was an american politician and businessman who served as the 41st president of the united states from 1989 to 1993. before he became president, he was the 43rd vice president from 1981 to 1989 (under the ronald reagan administration), an ambassador to the united nations, a congressman, and director of central intelligence. he was married to barbara bush from 1945 until her death in 2018. his children include the 43rd president of the united states george w. bush, former governor of florida jeb bush, and dorothy bush koch. he was a republican.