George H.W. Bush returns to family’s summer home in Maine after the death of wife Barbara

The people of Kennbunkport took to the streets over the weekend to welcome back the town’s most famous resident, former president George H. W. Bush.

The 93-year-old politician was all smiles as he waved to the crowds while his envoy took him to the Maine summer home he had shared with his wife of 73 years, Barbara.

It was a bittersweet return as it marked the first time Bush arrived at the oceanfront estate without his wife by his side.

His family will soon be joining him in Maine it seems, with granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager posting a photo of her grandfather’s return and writing: ‘He made it home—to Maine. Can’t wait to get up there to see you, Gamps.’

Bush’s son Jeb also posted a photo of his father’s arrival, saying: ‘My beloved dad is in Maine.’ 

 

Maine man: Former president George H.W. Bush arrived back at his summer home in Kennbunkport on Sunday (above)

Family man: It marks the first time he has returned to the estate since his wife Barbara passed away in April after 73 years of marriage (The Bush family in Maine during his presidency) 

Family man: It marks the first time he has returned to the estate since his wife Barbara passed away in April after 73 years of marriage (The Bush family in Maine during his presidency) 

Crowd control: Residents lined the streets to welcome Bush back home on Sunday (above)

Crowd control: Residents lined the streets to welcome Bush back home on Sunday (above)

The crowd that gathered to meet him was alerted to the news of Bush’s return when members of the Secret Service began shutting down certain roads in the area, a protocol they all know well after witnessing it every summer for the past 30 years.

It was Bush’s great-great grandfather David Davis Walker who purchased the estate in the late 19th century, and it was purchased by Bush in 1977 from his maternal uncle, George Herbert Walker, Jr.

The home has never been willed to or inherited by anyone, and instead been put up for sale following the owner’s death. 

During his time as president, Bush hosted leaders including Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev at the home, while also spending holidays there with his family.

Locals also took to the streets in the wake of Barbara’s death, laying flowers to pay tribute to the woman many came to know so well in the area. 

Bush has been having a difficult time these past few weeks according to his spokesperson, and there were questions if he would ever return to Maine when it was revealed he had been hospitalized with a blood infection shortly after his wife’s death.   

‘I imagine he will feel that half of him is missing for the rest of his life,’ said  Jim McGrath.  

‘But that said, there is no quit in this man. Life goes on, and for George Bush life is to be lived with joy – especially when he is in Maine.’

He then added: ‘Family has always been George Bush’s highest priority. He gains great strength, and joy, from his large and supportive family. They have each other’s back.’

Swank estate: The home(above) has been in Bush's family since the 19th century, and he purchased the property in 1977 from his maternal uncle

Swank estate: The home(above) has been in Bush’s family since the 19th century, and he purchased the property in 1977 from his maternal uncle

Good as gold: Bush also posted a photo over the weekend of his trip to the theater last week to see Hamilton, where he wore a pair of gold Hamilton socks (Bush aboive with friends)

Good as gold: Bush also posted a photo over the weekend of his trip to the theater last week to see Hamilton, where he wore a pair of gold Hamilton socks (Bush aboive with friends)

Family: His son Jeb and granddaughter Jenna shared photos of his return, with Jenna writing: 'He made it home to Maine. Can’t wait to get up there to see you, Gamps'

Family: His son Jeb and granddaughter Jenna shared photos of his return, with Jenna writing: ‘He made it home to Maine. Can’t wait to get up there to see you, Gamps’

Bush also managed to take in some theater ahead of his trip up to Maine, catching a performance of the Tony-winning musical Hamilton in Houston last week.

Bush posted a photo of himself at the performance on Twitter, which showed that he was appropriately attired for the outing.  

‘Finally had the chance yesterday to catch some new friends in action @HamiltonMusical – properly attired in Hamilton socks, surrounded by family and friends, epic story and performance. Not a big hashtag man, but congratulations #HamFam!!’ wrote Bush.

 

 



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk