Rick Ahearn, a brilliant advance man for several different Republican presidents, has passed away at age 74. His passing was announced on Tuesday by the office of former president George W. Bush.
In a statement, Bush said, “Rick served me and our country with class and distinction. His pragmatic leadership and creative approach to complex issues were respected across party lines and earned him many successes.”
Ahearn was the cream of the crop when it came to presidential advance staff. He was known for his warm wit and thorough knowledge of the ins and outs of the presidency. He worked with the Reagan White House, the first Bush White House, and the second Bush White House from 1989 to 2009.
Ahearn was junior legislative assistant in Reagan’s Office of Public Liaison when Sally DeFord recommended him for the presidential advance team. He rose quickly to become the assistant to the president for campaign operations and then the assistant to the president for advance operations.
Ahearn was instrumental in organizing Bush’s successful visits to the Middle East and to Central and South America. He oversaw dozens of foreign and domestic trips and stage-managed the president’s news conferences and events in both the United States and abroad.
Ahearn continued to be active in politics until his death. He was on the executive committee of the Commission on Presidential Debates and a former board member of the National Park Foundation and the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation, among other advocacy initiatives.
He was known for his passion for service and for his great ability to bring out the best in those around him. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
Rick Ahearn was an incredible man who was passionate about public service and helping to make a difference. His legacy as a dedicated and accomplished presidential advance man will live on for years to come.