Tributes to ‘true American patriot’ John McCain cross political divide

Friends, family and the top tiers of US politics lined up to pay tribute to politician and celebrated war veteran John McCain after his death on Saturday. 

"Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28pm on August 25, 2018. With the senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family," his office said in a statement.

"At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 60 years."

Long-time critic Donald Trump was one of the first to send condolences on Twitter.

The US President has in recent days been criticised for not mentioning his former colleague’s deteriorating health. 

His wife of 38 years , Cindy also paid tribute, writing: "He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best."

Describing him as a "true patriot," the US Naval air force posted a picture of Mr McCain  during his time as a Navy pilot. 

His daughter Meghan McCain paid a touching tribute to her father with a statement on Twitter in which she said  "he was a great fire who burned bright, and we lived in his light and warmth for so very long." 

In a released statement former US President George W. Bush said of Senator John McCain "Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled.

"John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom i’ll deeply miss.

"Laura I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain."

Another former US President, Jimmy Carter also issued a statement on his death, writing: "John McCain was a man of honour, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate.

"Rosalynn and I extend our sincere condolences to Senator McCain’s family and to the people of Arizona whom he represented so forthrightly for so many years."

Senator Lindsey Graham said he lost one of his dearest friends.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has released a statement calling Sen. John McCain a "giant," an "icon" and an "American hero."

McCain was elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona six times.

Ducey says McCain was an American who will never be forgotten, and he was proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. The Republican governor says McCain’s "spirit, service and fierce independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous."

Ducey recalled that the senator always fought for what he thought was right, even when it wasn’t popular. He says McCain’s "dogged patriotism and passion for country" made him an inspiration.

The governor added that he hopes McCain’s legacy will continue to inspire Americans to build a future that would make him proud.