Name—Richard Milhous Nixon
Date of death—Friday at 9:08 p.m. at New York Hospital
Age—81
Cause of death—Stroke that left him in a deep coma
Services—Scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, Calif. The Rev. Billy Graham, a family friend, to officiate. Private interment to follow at the library near his wife Pat Nixon's grave. Eulogies to be delivered by President Clinton, Sen. Bob Dole, R– Kan., and California Gov. Pete Wilson.
Details of death—Nixon died four days after suffering a stroke that had left him in a deep coma. His stroke apparently was the result of a blood clot that formed in his heart and moved to his brain's middle cerebral artery. The blockage deprived this crucial cranial region of oxygen, damaging some brain tissue and causing the swelling.
More details—His death was announced by Myrna Manners, a spokesperson for New York Hospital. She was quoted: "His family was with him." The announcement of his death came about 1½ hours after he died. The announcement was in the form of a two-sentence news release. After the announcement, the flag was lowered to half-staff over the White House. Reporters gathered outside the Manhattan hospital after his death was announced. By the time reporters arrived the body had been removed from the hospital. It was taken to an area funeral home. The body will not lie in state in the Capitol rotunda. The family wanted it that way. Family spokeswoman Liz Johnston said that Nixon had been involved in planning his funeral arrangements before his death. According to a statement issued from the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace, the former president's
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body was to be flown to California on Tuesday to lie in state in the library's lobby. The public viewing will begin at 3 p.m. and then will continue through 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Quotation—Connecticut Gov. Lowell Weicker Jr., once a fierce critic of the Watergate scandal, said: "Past differences are now history. I wish him God's care and peace."
Quotation—President Clinton, who called a news conference in the Rose Garden to make the formal announcement, said: "I was deeply grateful to President Nixon for his wise counsel on many occasions. Our relationship continued to be warm and constructive.… He went out of his way to give me his best advice."
Quotation—From former President Ronald Reagan: "To Nancy and I he was a cherished friend and brilliant counselor. Richard Nixon understood the world. He understood politics, power and the fragile, yet undeniable force of history. There is no question that the legacy of this complicated and fascinating man will continue to guide the forces of democracy forever."
More background—Nixon suffered the stroke Monday night at his Park Ridge, N.J., home. He was partly paralyzed on the right side. He was unable to speak even before he slipped into the coma Thursday. His two daughters, Julie Eisenhower and Tricia Cox, both were at his side as his condition deteriorated. His wife, Pat, had died a year earlier. The Rev. Billy Graham also presided over that funeral. All three networks interrupted regular programming to announce the death. They also presented highlights of his career.
Survivors—Daughters Tricia and Julie, sons-in-law Edward F. Cox and David Eisenhower, and grandchildren Christopher Cox and Jennie Elizabeth, Alex Richard and Melanie Eisenhower.
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Exercise 13.10
(26.0K)
2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education