Family, friends, and political leaders gathered on the morning of October 12, 2023, at the Washington National Cathedral to honor the life of former Vice President Dick Cheney. The ceremony celebrated Cheney’s legacy through personal anecdotes and reflections, revealing the man behind the political persona.
Former President George W. Bush, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy, focused on Cheney’s character rather than the global crises they faced together. He recounted how Cheney, a former White House chief of staff and Defense Secretary, was initially reluctant to accept the vice presidential nomination in 2000. After considering various candidates, Bush realized that the best choice was “the man sitting right in front of me.” Cheney’s modesty shone through as he presented reasons against his selection, even inviting an adviser to argue against him. Bush ultimately chose Cheney, stating, “they do not come any better than Dick Cheney.”
Bush also shared a touching family story about a kindergarten visit to his grandson Richard’s class. Cheney’s presence turned the event into a memorable experience. “The teacher told Dick that that was the most exciting show and tell since the morning a little girl brought her cow to class,” Bush said, eliciting laughter from the audience. This moment encapsulated Cheney’s ability to balance significant responsibilities with a deep devotion to family.
In her tribute, Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, framed her father’s life through cherished childhood memories. She recalled road trips in the family station wagon, where they would travel to Civil War battlefields, indulging in Krispy Kreme doughnuts along the way. “As you might imagine, Dick Cheney read every word of every sign at every battlefield,” she said, highlighting his passion for history. Liz also revealed how her father corrected misconceptions about his academic history, insisting he was “asked to leave — twice” from Yale before transferring to the University of Wyoming.
Liz emphasized that Cheney prioritized the bonds of American unity over party allegiance, stating, “For him, a choice between defense of the Constitution and defense of your political party was no choice at all.” She concluded her remarks with a poignant memory, noting that the night before his death, clouds above her parents’ home formed shapes resembling winged angels. His final words to his wife, Lynne Cheney, expressed his love for her.
Cheney’s grandchildren also shared their memories, reflecting on his dual role as a political leader and a family man. Granddaughter Grace Perry recounted her experiences on the high school rodeo team, with Cheney as her dedicated driver. “I’m pretty sure he’s the only person who ever had the title vice president turned rodeo grandpa,” she remarked, conveying her gratitude for his support.
Another grandson, Richard Perry, spoke about Cheney’s unwavering presence at his football games, emphasizing the values of determination and grit that his grandfather instilled in him. Richard described how Cheney’s affectionate gaze conveyed a profound love, saying, “his gaze alone said, ‘I love you more than anything.’”
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, Cheney’s cardiologist for over 27 years, shared insights into their relationship, marked by trust and resilience. He recalled Cheney’s heart attack at age 37 during his congressional campaign, a moment that did not deter Cheney from pursuing his political ambitions. “They didn’t know Dick Cheney,” Reiner said, as Cheney returned to the campaign trail, determined to win.
Reiner characterized Cheney as “the easiest patient to care for,” noting his meticulous adherence to medical advice. He recounted a notable incident on September 11, 2001, when Cheney rejected a request for urgent medical testing during the unfolding terrorist attacks. “I didn’t think that was the day to argue with him,” Reiner admitted. Years later, as Cheney faced serious health challenges, he calmly agreed to undergo a heart transplant, which allowed him more time with his family.
Former NBC correspondent Pete Williams, who served as Cheney’s press secretary at the Pentagon, shared anecdotes that revealed Cheney’s unassuming nature. He recalled how Cheney would introduce himself simply as “Dick Cheney” even to those who did not recognize him. Williams highlighted Cheney’s respect for public service, noting how he insisted on replacing the term “bureaucrat” with “federal official” in communications.
The funeral attracted a diverse and bipartisan crowd, underscoring Cheney’s impact across political lines. Former President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush sat alongside President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Dan Quayle, and Al Gore were also in attendance, marking a rare convergence of individuals who once held the same office as Cheney.
Notably absent were former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, who were not invited to the service. The gathering served as a testament to Cheney’s complex legacy, blending formidable political influence with a deeply personal commitment to family and community.
