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Ross Perot, Former Presidential Candidate and Renowned Patriot, Dies at 89

  • Kayla Koslosky

    Kayla Koslosky has been the Editor of ChristianHeadlines.com since 2018. She has B.A. degrees in English and History and previously wrote for and was the managing editor of the Yellow Jacket …

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  • Updated Jul 09, 2019

Ross Perot – former presidential candidate and businessman – died Tuesday morning at the age of 89.

According to Dallas News, Perot – acclaimed as a renowned patriot – was diagnosed with leukemia in February and tragically lost his battle to the vicious disease Tuesday.

“With deep sadness, I am letting you know that Mr. Perot passed away early Tuesday at his home, surrounded by his family," James Fuller – the family’s spokesman – said in a statement.

"Mr. Perot was a true patriot and a dedicated humanitarian. He will be missed greatly," Fuller added.

According to ABC News, Perot first entered public consciousness when he through in his bid for President of the United States in 1992. Perot first ran for President as an Independent. He ran against incumbent George H.W. Bush and Democratic candidate Bill Clinton. Perot garnered 18.9% of the popular vote as an independent but ultimately lost the election to Clinton. 

Perot ran for President a second time in 1996 under his own party – the Reform Party – which he founded in 1995. Again, Perot lost to Clinton.

Perot was also a war veteran, a business mogul, and a philanthropist. ABC News reports that Perot served in the Navy early in his life. After leaving the military, Perot made it a part of his mission to help veterans and prisoners of war receive better treatment.

Later he started a career in computer systems at IBM before leaving the company to found his own. In 1962, Perot created his hugely successful information technology and services company Electronic Data Systems.

According to Forbes, at the time of his death, Perot was worth $4.1 billion.

In the wake of his death, political leaders and influential figures have shared their fondest memories of and adorations for him.

New York Times bestselling author Kurt Eichenwald shared on Twitter a childhood memory involving Perot. He wrote, “I knew Ross Perot since I was a child, when he let my friends and I ride our bikes across his estate to save time to school. When "tax cuts" was the billionaire mantra, he told me he was happy to pay lots in taxes ‘because it means I'm doing well.’” He added, “His wisdom will be missed.”

Senator Ted Cruz shared his heartfelt condolences on Twitter writing, “Our hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to Ross Perot. In his 89 years on earth, he lived the American dream to the fullest. Ross is a Texas legend. He will be remembered as an outstanding entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated husband and father.”

He continued, “Ross fought for what he believed in & his national grassroots movement changed politics forever. Heidi & I send heartfelt prayers & condolences to his wife Margot and the entire Perot family as they grieve the loss of a loving husband, father & grandfather. May he rest in peace.”

Another former presidential candidate, Al Gore, also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Perot family. He wrote, “I’ve always had the utmost respect for Ross Perot, for his patriotism, love of country, and extraordinary commitment to our veterans. I send my deepest condolences to his family and to everyone who loved and admired him.”

Perot is survived by his wife Margot and their five children.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/MPI/Stringer