In Photos: The Life of George HW Bush

Bush is sworn in as director of the CIA in January 1976.

Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

George and Barbara during the campaign for the presidential primary elections in 1978.

Photograph: Dirck Halstead/Getty Images

Bush failed to become the Republican presidential nominee in 1980 but was chosen by Ronald Reagan to be his vice-presidential running mate and they were elected in November 1980. Here, Ford lends his support to the campaign in Peoria, Illinois.

Photograph: AP

Bush campaigns successfully for the US presidency in 1988.

Photograph: Cynthia Johnson/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

The president-elect enjoys a spot of fishing in Florida in 1988.

Photograph: Robert Sullivan/AFP/Getty Images

Bush takes the oath of office as the 41st president of the United States on 20 January 1989.

Photograph: Michael Smith/Getty Images