Reagan eulogists remember him as man of humor

WASHINGTON – Ronald Reagan was remembered at his funeral Friday as statesman, a loyal husband and a man of faith and conviction. At the same time, his eulogists recalled him as a man of exceptional humor.

• President Bush quoted actor Robert Cummings asking Reagan if he ever considered running for president. Reagan replied, “President of what?” “President of the United States,” Cummings answered. Reagan responded, “What’s the matter? Don’t you like my acting either?”

• Bush: “A boy once wrote to him requesting federal assistance to help clean up his bedroom. The president replied that, ‘Unfortunately funds are dangerously low. I’m sure your mother was fully justified in proclaiming your room a disaster. Therefore, you are in an excellent position to launch another volunteer program in our nation. Congratulations.’ ”

• Former president George H.W. Bush: “When asked, ‘How did your visit go with Bishop Tutu?’ (Reagan) replied, ‘So-so.’ ”

• The elder Bush recounted Reagan’s humor even after being wounded by would-be assassin John Hinckley in 1981: “Who can forget the horrible day in March 1981, he looked at the doctors in the emergency room and said, ‘I hope you’re all Republicans.’ ”