"Our country has lost a true American patriot today. John McCain served with honor and was a fighter in every sense of the word. I am proud to have called him a close personal friend of Vicki’s and mine. We spent a number of enjoyable days with him and Cindy in Idaho - time I will always remember fondly and cherish. John was a huge Ernest Hemingway fan - one of my favorite memories was taking him through Hemingway’s house in Ketchum, Idaho. He thoroughly enjoyed that. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy and the entire family during this very sad time."