Former House Speaker Tom Foley, a Democrat who served 30 years in the House when partisan confrontation was less rancorous than today died at his home in Washington, D.C., his wife Heather confirmed Friday.
Foley, 84, was a Democrat who served as speaker from 1989 to January 1995, died of complications from a stroke suffered last December. His wife told the Associated Press he had been in hospice care at home since early May.
"Today, America has lost a legend of the United States Congress," President Barack Obama said in a statement.
He went on to praise his Foley's skill as a legislator and diplomat whose "poise and civility helped strengthen our relationship with one of our closest allies."
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, praised his predecessor as "forthright and warm-hearted."
"Take it from the great Henry Hyde, who used to say of Tom, 'I wish he were a Republican,'" Boehner said. "With his passing, the House loses one of its most devoted servants and the country loses a great statesman."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, D-Calif., said Foley was the "quintessential champion of the common good."
"In his years leading the House of Representatives, Speaker Foley's unrivaled ability to build consensus and find common ground earned him genuine respect on both sides of the aisle," she said. "Today, our country mourns the loss of a leader whose authenticity, dedication and diplomacy will forever serve as an example to all of us who strive to make a difference through public service."
Foley became the 57th speaker in 1989 after then-Speaker James Wright resigned from office amid an ethics scandal. Before taking office, Foley served as House majority leader, majority whip and Agriculture Committee chairman, and was an influential member of the Select House Committee on Iran Contra, according to USA Today.
Former President George H.W. Bush said Foley "represented the very best in public service and our political system" and "never got personal or burned bridges."
Foley had a largely liberal record in Congress, supporting Great Society programs and opposing the Vietnam War. He was pro-abortion rights, backed the Equal Rights Amendment, and opposed capital punishment. He also supported a constitutional amendment allowing school prayer.
Foley graduated from the University of Washington in 1951 and from Washington Law School in 1957. In his legal career, he served as assistant attorney general for Washington state and deputy prosecutor in Spokane County.
Foley is survived by his wife, Heather, whom he married in December 1968.
