Donald Rumsfeld, the two-time defence secretary and a one-time presidential candidate whose reputation was skilled officially and visionary of a modern US military was untied by the long and costly Iraq war, died on Tuesday. In a statement Wednesday, Rumsfeld’s family said he “was surrounded by family in his beloved Taos, New Mexico.” President George W. Bush, under whom Rumsfeld served as Pentagon chief, hailed his “steady service as a wartime secretary of defence a duty he carried out with strength, skill, and honour.”

Regarding former colleagues as equally intelligent and combative, patriotic and politically cunning, Rumsfeld had an illustrious career in government under four presidents of USA. After retiring in 2008, he headed the Rumsfeld Foundation to promote public service and work with charities that provide services and support for military families and injured veterans.

Rumsfeld is the only person to serve twice as Pentagon chief. The first time, in 1975-77, he was the youngest ever. The next time, in 2001-06, he was the oldest. Current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin saluted Rumsfeld on Wednesday for his “boundless energy, probing intellect, and abiding commitment to serve his country.”