President Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

President Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

A President Was Born

Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois to John Reagan (also known as "Jack") and Nelle Wilson. He had one older brother born two years before him named Neil. According to family legend, when his father went up the stairs of their home to look down at his newborn son, he whispered: "He looks like a fat little Dutchman, but how do we know, he could grow up to be our president someday." This is where he got the nickname "Dutch".

Ronald's Raising

From his mother, Ronald was taught of prayer and how to make dreams come true. His parents constantly reminded to judge people for who they are, not what they are. There was no more worse sin in their home than rascism. This was mainly because his father learned from experience what it felt like to have people hate you for you when he'd see signs on stores saying "No Irishmen allowed". His mother always told him to treat his neighbor and he'd want to be treated, and judge one by their actions, not their appearance.

Family Background

 Mother, Nelle, was a Scottish/English Protestant.

 His father, John, was an Irish Catholic who distressed his religious wife with periodic drinking binges.

 Ronald's great-grandfather migrated to the U.S. from Tipperary, Ireland in the 1860's. On a visit to Ireland, he was given a family tree that showed he was also related to both John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II.

Education

 High School: Northside High School, Dixon, IL

 University: Eureka College, Peoria, IL (Bachelors degree in Economics)

*Hollywood*

Ronald Reagan work for 25 years in Hollywood, California. He acted in 53 films.

Politics

 Union leader from 1947-1954

 Registered Democrat until 1962

 Made a televised speech in 1964 to support presidential candidate U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater who was a Republican.

 Goldwater lost the election, but Reagan's speech brought Republicans all over the country to love him. In 1966 he was asked to run for governor of California and won by nearly 1,000,000 votes. He governed for 8 years.

 After his term as governor he ran for president in 1976, but lost.

Ran in the election of the 1980s, and won. He became the 40th President of the United States, holding office for two terms from 1981-1989.

His Family

Reagan married two different actresses. His first wife was Jane Wyman, who had two of his children. His second was Nancy Davis in 1952 who also had two children.

"The Great Communicator"

Reagan's language comforted Americans and made difficult international policies understandable to millions. He spoke with clear terms that painted pictures of reality. Using the speaking talent he earned in Hollywood as an actor, he relayed to the American people his conservative political beliefs. In this manner he earned the respect of many.

Farewell

In 1994, Reagan released the news that he had Alzheimer's Disease, a deteriation of the brain. He later died from pneumonia, a complication of this disease on June 5, 2004. He is buried in Simi Valley, California.

Quotes

* "It's true hard work never killed anybody,