HOUSTON – Sam Olivares walked to his car in a suit and purple tie having given a final goodbye to Barbara Bush. He was one of thousands to do so Friday for Mrs. Bush’s public viewing, the final chance for Houstonians to say goodbye to the first lady of Houston.
For Oliveras, the goodbye was especially meaningful for the man who spent three years as a driver for the Bush’s motorcade during George H.W. Bush’s presidency. Oliveras didn’t drive Mr. or Mrs. Bush—that’s the secret service’s job—but rather members of Mr. Bush’s team.
“Nobody ever gets a chance to be in the presidential motorcade,” Olivares said.
A close friend of the Bushes offered him a chance to drive in the motorcade in 1989. For three years, Olivares volunteered to help every time they returned to Houston from Washington. It wasn’t necessarily a lucrative job: it didn’t pay and required long hours waiting outside events that the Bushes attended—whether in the heat or cold.
But, Olivares said, it lead to memories he’ll never forget. He’d often get thank-you letters, he said, and every Christmas he’d receive a letter from the White House.
In one letter dated Jan. 10, 1990, Mr. Bush wrote: “Just a note of thanks for your assistance with the motorcade during my recent trip to Houston. You are always a great help to me and my staff, and your continuing support is very much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to be a part of our team. Barbara joins me in sending you our best wishes.” The letter was signed, George Bush.
Photos: #PearlsforBarbara
Photos: #PearlsforBarbara
“That was a surreal moment as well,” Olivares said.
Olivares was one of the first in line Friday morning to say goodbye to Mrs. Bush. Of the things he’ll remember about her is, “her kindness, her willingness to listen to people and the pearl necklaces.”
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