Discover the Life and Legacy of President Gerald R. Ford

The Gerald Ford Family and Foundation Remembers Dick Cheney

Above: Donald Rumsfeld, President Ford, and Dick Cheney in 1975.

November 4, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –– The Gerald and Betty Ford family, as well as trustees and leadership at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, mourn the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney on November 3 at age 84. Cheney served as President Ford’s deputy chief of staff, and then chief of staff from 1974-1977.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney,” shares the Ford family. “The Ford family has been close to the Cheney family for five decades. As President Ford’s White House Chief of Staff, Dick Cheney played a crucial role in navigating a pivotal period of American history with steadiness and dedication. He was a trusted advisor to our father during a time when integrity and thoughtful leadership were needed and remained a close friend to both our father and mother after they left the White House. We honor his decades of public service and extend our heartfelt condolences to Lynne, Liz, Mary, and all the Cheney family. May he rest in peace.”

Cheney’s time as chief of staff to President Ford deeply shaped his views on leadership, governance, and responsibility. The experience forged a lasting bond between the two men—one built on mutual respect and shared dedication to public service.

That bond continued long after Ford’s presidency, with Cheney serving on the board of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and later as a senior advisor.

Their enduring friendship was evident in 2006, when Vice President Cheney delivered remarks at President Ford’s funeral, reflecting on his mentor’s character and legacy:

“President Ford led an honorable life that brought great credit to the United States of America. Throughout his career, as a Naval officer, Congressman, Vice President and President, Gerald Ford embodied the best values of a great generation: decency, integrity, and devotion to duty. Thirty-two years ago, he assumed the nation's highest office during the greatest constitutional crisis since the Civil War. In that troubled era, America needed strength, wisdom, and good judgment, and those qualities came to us in the person of Gerald R. Ford. When he left office, he had restored public trust in the presidency, and the nation once again looked to the future with confidence and faith.”

Read more about Cheney’s relationship to President Ford and Cheney’s entry to the White House in his oral history:

https://geraldrfordfoundation.org/oralhistory/dick-cheney

Dick Cheney, Gerald Ford, and Donald Rumsfeld in 2004.