A TRIBUTE TO AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT (Complete information is available through this site regarding funeral services for former President Reagan including an opportunity to send condolences to the Reagan family through the Welter Funeral Home on-line Guest Book, or through the Ronald Reagan Library website. To access the RONALD REAGAN website: Please click on "Links" - directly to the left on the margin page - and see FUNERAL RELATED and click on "Ronald Reagan Library.") Ronald Wilson Reagan was the Fortieth President of the United States. Born to Nelle and John Reagan in Tampico, Ill., his interests and education led him first to a career in Hollywood. Reagan appeared in more than 50 films for Warner Brothers studios. His most notable roles where in "Knute Rockne'All-American" and "King's Row." Reagan's political career began by serving six one-year terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild. It was during this time that his views on Communism shifted his political affiliation from liberal to conservative. Running as a Republican, he served two terms as the Governor of California. After two prior attempts, Reagan successfully campaigned for President of the United States and was sworn into office on January 20, 1981. Sixty-nine days later he was shot in an assassination attempt, but quickly recovered. In 1984 Reagan won his second term with an unprecedented number of electoral votes, losing only his opponents home state and the District of Columbia. During his time in office Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment, and strengthen national defense. Reagan's legacy includes advancing the economy through 'Reaganomics', developing a strong relationship with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that led to a reduction of intermediate-range nuclear forces and the end of the Cold War, and taking a strong stance against terrorism with offensive responses to several terrorist acts. He is survived by his wife Nancy, and children, Michael, Patricia Ann and Ronald Prescott. Reagan was preceded in death by his daughter, Maureen, who died in 2001. All condolences on the Welter Funeral Home "SIGN GUEST BOOK" web site will be forwarded to the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA.